EP1068505A1 - Procede pour acheminer un fluide vers au moins un instrument diagnostique - Google Patents

Procede pour acheminer un fluide vers au moins un instrument diagnostique

Info

Publication number
EP1068505A1
EP1068505A1 EP99914927A EP99914927A EP1068505A1 EP 1068505 A1 EP1068505 A1 EP 1068505A1 EP 99914927 A EP99914927 A EP 99914927A EP 99914927 A EP99914927 A EP 99914927A EP 1068505 A1 EP1068505 A1 EP 1068505A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fluid
container
bore
assembly
pressure
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99914927A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Wayne Channell
Chester Chomka
Dennis M. Delfert
Ted J. Hanagan
Stacie L. Hoskins
Steven C. Peake
Arthur D. Rokusek
Scott G. Safar
John Willmes
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Abbott Laboratories
Original Assignee
Abbott Laboratories
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Abbott Laboratories filed Critical Abbott Laboratories
Publication of EP1068505A1 publication Critical patent/EP1068505A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/28—Preparing specimens for investigation including physical details of (bio-)chemical methods covered elsewhere, e.g. G01N33/50, C12Q
    • G01N1/38—Diluting, dispersing or mixing samples
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N2035/00465—Separating and mixing arrangements
    • G01N2035/00534—Mixing by a special element, e.g. stirrer
    • G01N2035/00544—Mixing by a special element, e.g. stirrer using fluid flow
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/10—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
    • G01N2035/1027—General features of the devices
    • G01N2035/1032—Dilution or aliquotting
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/10—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
    • G01N2035/1027—General features of the devices
    • G01N2035/1048—General features of the devices using the transfer device for another function
    • G01N2035/1058—General features of the devices using the transfer device for another function for mixing

Definitions

  • This case relates to a method of supplying a fluid to a diagnostic instrument.
  • a diagnostic instrument is a machine that can perform a test on a sample, such as blood and the like, to determine something m that sample. That something, such as the AIDS virus m the sample, may be medically significant.
  • the machine may mix the sample with a fluid, such as a reagent, a buffer, a diluent and the like.
  • a fluid such as a reagent, a buffer, a diluent and the like.
  • This fluid may be supplied m a fluid container, such as a bottle and the like.
  • the machine takes a needed amount of fluid from the fluid container.
  • the fluid container is progressively emptied.
  • the tests the machine performs are important, e.g. to determine whether a person is sick or not, it is desirable that the machine be substantially continuously ready to perform those tests. This means that the machine should have a substantially constant supply of fluid. Accordingly, there is a need to provide an assembly which can be used to inform a machine operator when a certain fluid container is close to being empty so that a new, "full" fluid container can be added.
  • a method of supplying a fluid to at least one diagnostic instrument includes providing a C container containing a first fluid and a source of third fluid.
  • the container of first fluid, the source of third fluid and the at least one diagnostic instrument are fluidly connected.
  • the first fluid flows from the container and the third fluid flows from the source such that the first fluid and the third fluid 5 mix to produce a mixed fluid.
  • the mixed fluid flows to the at least one diagnostic instrument .
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of elements of an embodiment of a fluid assembly described herein;
  • Fig. 2 is a view similar to that of Fig. 1 5
  • Fig. 3 is a view similar to that of Fig. 2
  • F g. 4 is a view similar to that of Fig. 3
  • F g. 5 is a view similar to that of Fig. 4
  • F g. 6 is a view similar to that of Fig. 5
  • Fig. 7 is an elevational view of an element shown m Fig. C 1;
  • Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the element of Fig. 7 ;
  • Fig. 9 is an elevational view of another element shown m Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the element of Fig. 9; 5 Fig. 11 is a bottom view of an additional element shown m Fig . 3 ; Fig. 12 is a sectional view, taken along line A-A of Fig.
  • Fig. 13 is a block schematic diagram of a system including the fluid assembly.
  • Fig. 14 is a sectional view of a portion of the system of Fig. 13.
  • a fluid assembly 10 is shown in Figs. 6 and 13.
  • This fluid assembly 10 may be utilized in any suitable employment or with any appropriate piece of equipment .
  • the fluid assembly 10 may be used with an automated 5 analyzer 58 (Fig. 13), such as those disclosed in U.S. patent application serial no's. 08/715,924, 08/715,780, 08/716,079 and 08/816,121. Those applications are assigned to the assignee of the present case and the disclosures thereof are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference.
  • the fluid assembly 0 10 may be utilized with an apparatus 60 (Fig.
  • a control 64 such as a computer having a memory, such as a RAM, a ROM, a SRAM, an EPROM and the like, containing and running appropriate routines, may be C operatively connected with the analyzer (s) 58 and the apparatus 60 to intendedly monitor and govern operation of those devices.
  • fluid assembly 10 may be modified in any suitable manner to meet particular needs. Also, methods of operation, use, etc. associated with the fluid 5 assembly 10 are described. It is to be noted that steps comprising those methods may be performed in any appropriate order. Further, steps from one method may be combined with steps from another method to arrive at yet additional methods .
  • the fluid assembly 10 comprises a first element or first manifold 12 illustrated m Figs. 7 and 8.
  • the first manifold 12 includes a first body 14, a ledge 16 disposed on one end of the first body 14, and a second body 18 located such that the ledge 16 is between the first body 14 and the second body 18.
  • a notch 20 is disposed between the ledge 16 and one end of the second body 18.
  • a first bore 22 extends from an end of the first body 14, opposite to the end of the first body 14 adjacent the ledge 16, to an end of the second body 18, opposite to the end of the second body 18 adjacent the notch 20.
  • a second bore 24 extends from an end of the second body 18, opposite to the end of the second body 18 adjacent the notch 20, and exits the first body 14 at a location offset approximately 90 degrees from a position of the first bore 22 on the first body 14.
  • the first manifold 12 includes the following specifications. However, others are possible.
  • the first manifold 12 may be substantially cylindrical m configuration.
  • the first body may have an outer diameter of about 1.36 inches and extend about 0.64 inches from an adjacent side of the ledge 16 which may be about 0.1 inches wide (axial length) and have an outer diameter of about 1.62 inches.
  • the notch 20 nay be about 0.08 inches m axial length (width) .
  • the second body 18 may extend from the notch 20 by a distance measuring about 0.38 inches and may have a sloping profile, measuring about 5 degrees, tapering from an outer diameter of approximately 1.09 inches to about 1.03 inches.
  • An end of the first bore 22 on the first body 14 may have a diameter of about 0.25 inches and a center of the first bore 22 may be offset from a centerpomt of the first body 14 by a distance measuring about 0.2 inches.
  • An end of the second bore 24 on the first body 14, i.e. its centerpomt, may be located about 0.32 inches from the ledge 16 and have a diameter of about 0.339 inches.
  • a centerpomt of an end of the second bore 24 located on the second body 18 may be offset by a distance of about 0.2 inches from a centerpomt of the second body 18.
  • the first manifold 12 may be made of any suitable material, such as PVC (gray) and the like.
  • the fluid assembly 10 also comprises a second element or ring 26, shown m Figs. 9 and 10, which is movably engagable with the first manifold 12.
  • the ring 26 includes a knurl 28 on its oucer surface to facilitate application of force to the ring 26.
  • the ring 26 includes threads 30 on its inner surface which are movably engagable with complimentary threads on a suitable first fluid container 62 (Fig. 13), such as a cubitainer available from Abbott Laboratories (Abbott Park, Illinois) , containing a particular volume of first fluid, such as a concentrate and the like, to be supplied, possibly m a diluted or mixed form, by the fluid assembly 10.
  • the threads 30 may oe replaced with any other structure which mates with a corresponding structure on the first fluid container 62.
  • the ring 26 also has an aperture 32 dimensioned for accepting the second body 18 of the first manifold 12.
  • the ring 26 may be substantially cylindrical shape, may have an axial length of about 0.457 inches and a diameter of about 1.59 inches.
  • the aperture 32 may have a diameter that measures about 1.062 inches .
  • the fluid assembly 10 further includes a third element or second manifold 34, displayed Figs. 11 and 12.
  • the second manifold 34 includes a first bore 36 and a second bore 38. Botr. of the bores 36 and 38 extend through the second manifold 34.
  • a portion 40 of the first bore 36 adjacent a first fluid container 62 engaging surface 42 of the second manifold 34 is enlarged with respect to the first bore 36.
  • a portion 44 of the second bore 38 adjacent the first fluid container 62 engaging surface 42 of the second manifold 34 is enlarged with respect to the second bore 38 such that the portion 44 is unbounded at at lease one side.
  • the portions 40 and 44 and the first fluid container 62 engaging surface 42 facilitate efficient access of the fluid assembly 10 to first fluid within a first fluid container 62 (Fig. 13) into which the fluid assembly 10 is inserted while also reducing the likelihood that a portion of that first fluid container 62 might interfere with that first fluid access.
  • the second manifold 34 may have a substantially cylindrical shape, a thickness of about 0.5 5 inches and a diameter of about 1.188 inches.
  • a centerl e of the first bore 36 is offset from a centerpomt of the second manifold 34 by a distance of about 0.3 inches and a centerlme of the second bore 38 is offset from a centerpomt of the second manifold 34 by a distance of about 0.365 inches.
  • Terminal ends 0 of the first and second bores 36 and 38 are offset from the container engaging surface 42 by a distance of about 0.125 inches .
  • the first manifold 12 and the ring 26 are positioned with respect to each other such that the second body 18 is aligned with the aperture 32 m the ring 26.
  • the first manifold 12 and the ring 26 are moved with respect to each 0 other such that the second body 18 is positioned mside the aperture 32. This movement continues until the aperture 32 resides m the notch 20 between the second body 18 and the ledge 16.
  • the ring 26 is free to rotate within the notch 20 about the second body 18 responsive to force applied to the knurl 28 on 5 the ring 26.
  • a first conduit 46 which may be an 8.5 x 0.25 inch piece of pipe, is fluidly connected with an end of the second bore 24 opposite to the end thereof adjacent the second body 18.
  • An end of the first conduit 46, opposite to an C end thereof fluidly connected with the second bore 24, may be fluidly connected with the piece of equipment, such as the analyzer 58, the mixer 66, or both (Fig. 13), to be supplied with first fluid from the first fluid container 62 to be connected with the fluid assembly 10.
  • An end of a second conduit 48 is fluidly connected with the end of the second bore 24 adjacent the second body 18.
  • the second conduit 48 is fluidly connected with an end of the second bore 38 m the second manifold 34 opposite to the end thereof adjacent the first fluid container 62 engaging surface 42.
  • the second conduit 48 may be an 1/8 by 11 inch piece of threaded pipe, possibly made of 1/8 5 schedule 80 PVC, Type 1, Grade 1 (gray) .
  • a first fluid flow path is formed from the first fluid container 62, to the portion 44, through the second conduit 48, through the second bore 24 and through the first conduit 46 to a particular element, such as the analyzer 58, the mixer 66, or both (Fig. C 13), being supplied with first fluid from the first fluid container 62.
  • a third conduit 50 which may be a 12 x 1/8 inch piece of pipe (Pomalon thermoplastic fluoropolymer from Freel - ade, placed m an oven at approximately 65 degrees Celsius for about ⁇ 10 minutes to straighten then cooled on a flat surface, for example) is fluidly connected between the first bore 22 m the first manifold 12 and the first bore 36 m the second manifold 34, as illustrated Fig. 4. Then, as Fig. 5 displays, a pressure transducer or monitor 52 is operatively connected with C and substantially fluidly seals at least one end of the first bore 22 m the first manifold 12 adjacent the first body 14. Other fluidic connections of the transducer 52 and a bounded volume of the second fluid are also possible.
  • the pressure transducer 52 may be a signal 5 conditioned, temperature compensated and calibrated, silicon pressure sensor (0-1.45 psi, 0-85 degrees Celsius), such as Catalog No.: MPX5010GP available from Motorola. Connected this fashion, the pressure transducer 52 monitors pressure within the first bore 22, the third conduit 50, the first bore C 36 and the first fluid container 62.
  • a housing 54 (Fig. 6) is added to the first manifold 12 along with electrical conductor connections 56, which electrically couple the pressure transducer 52 to a suitable control 64, such as a computer and the like having memory 5 running suitable routines.
  • the housing 54 may be substantially cylindrical shape with a height of about 2.5 inches and an outside diameter of about 0.156 inches.
  • the housing 54 may be made of 1 1/4 schedule 40 PVC, Type 1, Grade 1 (gray) .
  • a first fluid container 62 (Fig. 13) containing first fluid to be supplied is provided with an opening and a bottom.
  • the fluid assembly 10 is inserted through the opening into an interior of the first fluid container 62.
  • the second manifold 34 is placed into the interior of the first fluid container 62 until the container engaging surface 42 engages or otherwise contacts a portion of the first fluid container 62.
  • the ring 26 engages a corresponding structure adjacent the opening of tne first fluid container 62.
  • Appropriate force is applied to the knurl 28 on the ring 26 such that the threads 30 on the ring 26 mate with complimentary structures, such as threads and the like, located at the opening of the first fluid container 62.
  • the threads 30 are advanced until the container engaging surface 42 contacts a portion of the first fluid container 62.
  • Such contact can provide an operator with feedback indicating intended installation of the fluid assembly 10 with respect to the first fluid container 62. If the first fluid container 62 were sufficiently flexible, the contact between the container engaging surface 42 and the portion of the first fluid container 62 may cause the portion of the first fluid container 62 to deflect, to flex, to deform or otherwise to move, thereby creating a substantially sloped profile of that portion of the first fluid container 62.
  • Such a sloped profile may reduce a "dead" volume of first fluid m the first fluid container 62, possibly reducing the dead volume to about 100 ⁇ l or about 2% of a volume of the first fluid container 62.
  • a "dead" volume of first fluid m the first fluid container 62 may reduce a "dead" volume of first fluid m the first fluid container 62, possibly reducing the dead volume to about 100 ⁇ l or about 2% of a volume of the first fluid container 62.
  • other, possibly smaller dead volumes may be achieved possibly dependent upon a volume of the first fluid container 62, geometry of the first fluid container 62, etc.
  • a suitable second fluid such as ambient air and the like, is present the conduits 46, 48 and 50.
  • suitable second fluid is located within the first bore 36, the third conduit 50 and the first bore 22 such that the pressure of that suitable second fluid can be monitored by the pressure transducer 52.
  • Installation of the fluid assembly 10 with the first fluid container 62 causes a volume of suitable second fluid to be trapped and compressed within the first bore 36, the third conduit 50 and the first bore 22 by the first fluid present m the first fluid container 62. In other words, a volume of suitable second fluid within the first bore
  • the third conduit 50 and the first bore 22 is bounded on one side by the first fluid and on an opposite side by the pressure transducer 52. In this fashion, the pressure of the suitable second fluid trapped the first bore 36, the third conduit 50 and the first bore 22 is proportional to an amount of first fluid m the first fluid container 62.
  • the fluid assembly 10 can be used to monitor a level of first fluid within the first fluid container 62. Specifically, as first fluid is drawn from the first fluid container 62, through the portion 44, the second bore 38, the second conduit 48, the second bore 24 and the first conduit 46 to the particular piece of equipment, such as the analyzer 58, the mixer 66, or both (Fig.
  • the pressure of the suitable second fluid trapped m the first bore 36, the third conduit 50 and the first bore 22 changes.
  • the change m trapped air pressure is indicative of the volume of first fluid removed from the first fluid container 62. Accordingly, if an initial volume of the first fluid container 62 were known, then, by substantially continuously monitoring the trapped air pressure, the volume of first fluid within the first fluid container 62 is also substantially continuously monitored.
  • a correlation between pressure monitored by the transducer 52, or more specifically a voltage presented by the transducer 52, and volume of first fluid the container 62 may be determined empirically. In one instance, it may be determined that the correlation is:
  • the voltage presented by the transducer 52 can be sampled periodically, such as about 100 times per second, to substantially continuously monitor volume of first fluid m the container 62.
  • the voltage can be monitored at any desirable frequency and truly continuous monitoring can be provided by utilizing a suitable analog circuit.
  • the first fluid level m the first fluid container 62 can be monitored substantially continuously by the fluid assembly 10 irrespective of size, configuration or construction of the first fluid container 62.
  • the pressure transducer 52 monitors pressure of the suitable second fluid within the first bore 36, the third conduit 50 and the first bore 22 without coming into contact with the first fluid m the first fluid container 62. This may be important m cases where the first fluid the first fluid container 62 presents special considerations, such as difficulty of decontamination, cross over, etc.
  • the first flui ⁇ container 62 reaches a certain, predetermined value, as indicated by the pressure m the first bore 36, the third conduit 50 and the first bore 22 monitored by the pressure transducer 52, an operator may be signaled by the control 64 to replace the first fluid container 62 with another, "full" first fluid container 62.
  • the ring 26 is removed from the first fluid container 62 by appropriate application of force to the knurl 28 and the fluid assembly 10 is removed from the first fluid container 62.
  • the fluid assembly 10 is then installed a new "full" first fluid container 62 as described above.
  • the connections 56 to the pressure transducer 52 may be removed during installation of the fluid assembly 10 with the first fluid container 62. After installation is complete, the connections 56 may be replaced.
  • sample processing protocols may be used to determine patient results. Specific to some chemistries used m some of the sample processing protocols is the use of a buffer reagent that may be utilized to, e.g., rinse sample and reagent probes, wash magnetic particles, dilute samples, flush a relevant fluidics system, etc.
  • Some medical assays can require relatively large amounts, such as greater than about 30 mL, m addition to daily maintenance flushes, of buffer reagent per patient test. This amount is magnified by the number of assays, sometimes about 800 per hour, performed.
  • These relatively large amounts of buffer reagent may be rather expensive to provide, as shipping large volumes of fluid over large distances may be costly. Such expenses may contribute to rising costs diagnostic health care for providers and patients alike. In an effort to address this, it is possible to provide, for example, a soluble concentrate form of the reagent buffer. In this case, the reagent buffer
  • the concentrate or first fluid may be provided to a user need of mixing with a third fluid.
  • the first fluid may need a 9:1 third fluid (e.g. water) - concentrate dilution prior to use on-board an analyzer 58 or plurality of analyzers 58.
  • the fluid assembly 10 and the mixer 66, along with other associated elements, such as valves, pumps, fluid conveying conduits and the like, utilized m performing the dilution may be provided m a substantially integrated fashion, such as automatic module or apparatus 60, shown by dotted lines Fig. 13.
  • a user makes a fluid connection to a source 68 that supplies third fluid, such as purified water and the like.
  • the source 68 may provide about 1.53 L/mm NCCLS II type water substantially within the range of about 5 to about 100 psig and at a temperature between about 5 and about 37 degrees Celsius .
  • about 10 feet of approximately 3/8" ID tubing may be used with appropriate connectors compatible with the apparatus 60 and the source 68.
  • a user loads a container 62 containing first fluid (i.e. concentrate) onto the apparatus 60.
  • first fluid i.e. concentrate
  • the user installs tne fluid assembly 10 with the container 62 following the steps described above.
  • the fluid assembly is inserted into the container 62, the threads 30 are screwed onto a mating portion of the container 62, and the fluid assembly 10 is connected both fluidly, by first conduit 46, and electrically, ⁇ y connections 56, to the apparatus 60.
  • the apparatus 60 provides both first fluid (concentrate) delivery and first fluid, concentrate and diluted, inventory monitoring functions.
  • the apparatus 60 may be provided witn a pressurized dram and/or gravity dram ports which can fluidly connect relevant portions of the apparatus 60 to a suitable dram.
  • a series of tubing 72 possibly
  • the apparatus 60 may be connected witn the control 64 by means of an RS232 port on the apparatus 60.
  • the control 64 can determine when and how the apparatus 60 operates, i.e. turns on and off, etc.
  • the control 64 allows delivery of that diluted fluid to begin by opening suitable valve ( s not shown for clarity, which are fluidly connected in series with relevant portions of the apparatus 60.
  • suitable valve s not shown for clarity, which are fluidly connected in series with relevant portions of the apparatus 60.
  • the control 64 can send a command signal for the apparatus 60 to turn on and commence operation, that is diluting first fluid with third fluid.
  • control 64 can send a command signal to turn the apparatus 60 off and cease dilution of first fluid with third fluid and delivery of the diluted first fluid through the tubmg 72.
  • Incoming electrical power is operatively connected to the apparatus 60 with an appropriate power cord provided.
  • Incoming electrical power may be compatible with various worldwide requirements .
  • components on the apparatus 60 may be driven oy about 36 V and about 5 V supplies.
  • a user can operate the apparatus 60.
  • incoming third fluid e.g. water
  • incoming third fluid e.g. water
  • a sensor 74 fluidly connected with the mixer 66 (Fig. 14 .
  • another sensor possibly fluidly associated with the source 68 or fluidly associated conduits, may be used to determine resistivity of the incoming third fluid. If resistivity measured by either sensor were greater than about 1M Ohm, then the third fluid is routed to a pump, such as a positive displacement pump and the like, which delivers third fluid from the source 68 to the mixer 66.
  • the flow of the third fluid is continued to be routed to dram and sampled, such as about every three seconds, for resistivity. If resistivity is not within an acceptable range after a certain, predetermined number, such as three, readings, a third fluid quality error may be conveyed to the user, such as by activating a corresponding indicator, such as a light emitting diode and the like, located at an appropriate location, such as on a keypad associated with the control 64 and/or the apparatus 60 or the like.
  • a corresponding indicator such as a light emitting diode and the like
  • Incoming third fluid may also be checked for adequate pressure, such as by sensor 76.
  • another sensor possibly fluidly associated with the source 68 or fluidly associated conduits, may be used to determine pressure of the incoming third fluid.
  • a third fluid pressure of less than about 5 psig may be determined to be inadequate. If incoming third fluid pressure is inadequate, then the apparatus 60 may be shutdown and an appropriate error, such as activating a low pressure indicator on the keypad, may be conveyed to the operator.
  • the user can instruct the apparatus 60 to perform a first fluid inventory level calibration.
  • the transducer 52 on the fluid assembly 10 can deliver a baseline voltage to suitable software, running on the control 64 or on the apparatus 60, that correlates this baseline voltage with the container 62 being 100% full.
  • the software monitors voltage changes and based on the voltage changes, reports information indicative of a first fluid level within the container 62 to the user, such as via light emitting diodes or other indicators located on the keypad and the like.
  • first fluid remaining m the container 62 is less than about 2 percent of the volume of the container 62, then the user may be notified and the apparatus 60 may discontinue operation until a new container 62 is loaded.
  • first fluid is routed to the pump that delivers first fluid to the
  • Third fluid may be routed from the source 68 to a similar pump for delivering third fluid to the mixer 66.
  • the first and third fluid Dumps may be driven by a single motor operating at a substantially constant speed geared to drive the 5 two pumps such that downstream first fluid to third fluid ratio is about 1 to about 9.
  • the first fluid pump may be susceptible to salt build up.
  • a portion of C the third fluid may be routed to the first fluid pump for allowing substantially continuous flushing or cleaning of relevant first fluid pump surfaces.
  • This portion of first fluid may generate a first fluid pump flush bi-product.
  • the mixer 66 can accept not only the first and third fluids, but also the 5 first fluid pump flush bi-product and provide mixing of those fluids to create a ready-to-use diluted first fluid.
  • the sensors 74 and 76 may be used to provide quality control for the mixing of the first fluid with the third fluid. If pressure monitored by sensor 76 were 0 determined to be undesirable, such as greater than about 15 psig, to deliver to downstream analyzers 58, then the apparatus 60 may shutdown and provide feedback to the user, such as by activating an outgoing pressure indicator. If efficacy of the diluted first fluid is not within acceptable limits, such as 5 navmg a conductivity substantially within the range of about
  • the diluted first fluid may be routed to dram.
  • Conductivity of the diluted first fluid may be sampled periodically, such as about every three seconds, and may continue to be routed to dram for another time period, such as C that corresponding to about three additional readings, prior to shutdown of the apparatus 60. If a shutdown occurs, a high or low conductivity indicator associated with the control 64 or the apparatus 60 may be activated.
  • diluted 5 first fluid may be routed to the tubmg 72.
  • the tubmg 72 is connected to one or more analyzers 58.
  • the control 64 accepts a signal from each analyzer 58 that indicates on-board diluted
  • the apparatus 60 may reduce associated manual labor, may provide substantially continuous buffer capacity to the analyzers 58, may monitor first, third and/or mixed fluid quality, temperature, resistivity, conductivity, etc., can function with various fluid temperatures and pressures, and may have error self-diagnosing capability.
  • the apparatus 60 may include a drip pan integrated with a fluid flood detector fluidly associated with the first and third fluids to aid m fluid flood prevention.
  • This fluid flood detector may comprise a pair of separated electrical conductors, a conductive path between which may be supplied by at least one of the first fluid, the third fluid, and the third fluid mixed with first fluid. Conductivity between those separated electrical conductors may be monitored to determine presence of at least one of the first fluid, the third fluid, and the third fluid mixed with first fluid to indicate a flood or leak or other unintended release of that fluid.
  • a RS232 field service interface and customer keypad feedback may be provided with the apparatus 60 to diagnose errors.
  • the apparatus 60 may also run an automatic decontamination mode.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé pour acheminer un fluide vers au moins un instrument diagnostique, ledit procédé impliquant l'utilisation d'un récipient (62) contenant un premier fluide et d'une source (68) d'un troisième fluide tel que l'eau. Le récipient du premier fluide, la source du troisième fluide et au moins un instrument diagnostique (58) se trouvent en communication fluidique. Le premier fluide s'écoule depuis le récipient et le troisième fluide s'écoule depuis la source, et ce de manière à ce que les premier et troisième fluides se mélangent pour donner un fluide mélangé. Le fluide mélangé s'écoule vers au moins un instrument diagnostique.
EP99914927A 1998-04-01 1999-03-17 Procede pour acheminer un fluide vers au moins un instrument diagnostique Withdrawn EP1068505A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US5398998A 1998-04-01 1998-04-01
US53989 1998-04-01
PCT/US1999/005793 WO1999050638A1 (fr) 1998-04-01 1999-03-17 Procede pour acheminer un fluide vers au moins un instrument diagnostique

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1068505A1 true EP1068505A1 (fr) 2001-01-17

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99914927A Withdrawn EP1068505A1 (fr) 1998-04-01 1999-03-17 Procede pour acheminer un fluide vers au moins un instrument diagnostique

Country Status (4)

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EP (1) EP1068505A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2002510043A (fr)
CA (1) CA2325949A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1999050638A1 (fr)

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WO1999050638A1 (fr) 1999-10-07
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