US3588053A - Liquid mixing and transfer apparatus and method - Google Patents

Liquid mixing and transfer apparatus and method Download PDF

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Publication number
US3588053A
US3588053A US692091A US3588053DA US3588053A US 3588053 A US3588053 A US 3588053A US 692091 A US692091 A US 692091A US 3588053D A US3588053D A US 3588053DA US 3588053 A US3588053 A US 3588053A
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liquid
vessel
gas
mixing
vessels
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William Fletcher Rothermel
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Coulter Electronics Inc
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Coulter Electronics Inc
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    • 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
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
    • B01F25/10—Mixing by creating a vortex flow, e.g. by tangential introduction of flow components
    • 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
    • G01N35/1095—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices for supplying the samples to flow-through analysers

Definitions

  • Such apparatus is adapted for connection into a system for the continuous automatic processing of samples.
  • the apparatus comprise a single or plurality of vessels performing the functions mentioned and have a fitting at least in one vessel arranged to introduce the liquids tangential to the inner wall of the receiving vessel to produce a helical downward swirling of the liquid to impart rotary motion thereto.
  • an up-anddown movement of the liquid is produced by the introduction ofa gas into the drain and generates fast-rising bubbles passing through the liquid thoroughly to mix the same in the vessel.
  • Alternate means for use in multiple vessel apparatus provide for interchange or transfer of liquids at the bottom of the vessels to effect the up-and-down mixing as well as rotation of the liquid. Structure for retaining liquid in the vessels by the use of gas introduced through a drain; for effecting liquid removal by gas pressure controlled to provide minimum agitation; and for other purposes are disclosed.
  • Methods for mixing and transferring liquids are described in connection with the apparatus of the invention, especially a method of expelling liquid from a vessel by the use of gas pressure above the surface of the liquid in which the amount of pressure decreases with the lowering of the level.
  • the field of the invention herein is the broad field which uses vessels and connecting conduits for the intermixing and the transfer of fluids primarily for the purpose of making measurements and tests on said fluids. It will be appreciated that this description is somewhat general. but the method and apparatus that are disclosed in this specification are capable of many uses. In medicine, biology, chemistry and allied fields, research as well as routine testing requires the use of apparatus which classically has been termed "glassware” or even hardware.” Test tubes, breakers, bottles, retorts, pipets, stills and a whole host of varied apparatus are quite well known and have been used for many years. Manual handling and manipulation of this type of apparatus is a technique learned early by those working in these fields.
  • the invention has as one of its important objects the provision of apparatus which enables simple and complete transfer of liquids from one vessel to another. This is the criterion of accuracy, and has as one of its concurrent benefits the minimum of contamination, for, if the transfer is complete and efficient, there will be no residuum to spoil the following sample.
  • an important object is the provision of structure which enables the introduction of liquids into vessels which already contain liquids or along with other liquids in a manner which results in a minimum ofturbulence, but which enables the liquids to be intermixed while entering and additionally after entering.
  • Another object ofthe invention is concerned with the provision of means for accomplishing mixing and delaying the movement of liquid from a vessel simultaneously through the use of gas under pressure.
  • the gas under pressure may be used for transferring liquid from one vessel to another or out ofa vessel and for mixing fluids.
  • Additional objects of the invention are to provide apparatus in which gas pressure is used to prevent liquid from leaving a vessel while at the same time serves to mix the same; in which gas pressure is used to cause the transfer of liquid from one vessel to another or is used to drain a vessel; in which gas pressure is controlled to produce a minimum of turbulence during these operations.
  • One specific object of the invention relates to the manner in which the gas is controlled, as, for example, in draining a vessel. While the major portion of the liquid remains in the vessel, the pressure of the gas above the liquid which is forcing the liquid out of the drain is at a maximum to speed the evacuation of the vessel. By suitable regulation means, the pressure of the gas is gradually lowered as the vessel empties, until at the last instant, the pressure is practically zero so that the draining occurs completely and yet without forcing gas through the drain to burst into the following receptacle for the fluid.
  • the vessel comprises a cylindrical member having an inlet pipe or fitting in which the axis of the pipe at the point where it enters the vessel is tangential to the inner surface of the vessel and preferably pointed downward so that the entering stream tends to lie on the wall, spreading along the wall while wetting the same, and swirling downward in a helix to enter the body of fluid at the bottom of the vessel in such swirling movement and with a minimum of turbulence and objectionable bubbles.
  • this angle will be somewhere between the two extremes lying (1) parallel to the axis of the vertical vessel and (2) perpendicular to it.
  • this angle will be approximately 30 below the horizontal. For other vessel proportions the best angle may easily be found experimentally.
  • the invention teaches the construction of apparatus in which the formation of tiny bubbles is substantially inhibited.
  • Structure according to the invention provides for the mixing, retaining and transfer of liquids by suitable use of controlled gas pressure in addition to the teaching of the specific object mentioned above.
  • gas under pressure is introduced into the second vessel before introducing the liquid into the first vessel and maintaining such pressure while running the liquid into the first vessel.
  • This gas has such pressure that large bubbles displace any liquid which attempts to enter the drain of the first vessel and thereby prevent the entry of any liquid into the drain, thereby also preventing liquid from passing through the connecting conduit into the second vessel until it is desired that this occur.
  • Additional and even more efficient intermixing may be obtained when moving liquid from one vessel into another through the bottom of the vessels, especially where the entry into the second vessel is a tangential one, so that a movement below the surface is achieved, with the entering liquid circulating through that which was first introduced and thoroughly mixing therewith.
  • Below the surface introduction of liquid samples into other samples is substantially devoid of bubble production. All of the energy which is imparted to the liquid being introduced goes into the mixing action, with substantially none lost due to friction with container surfaces above the liquid surface.
  • the invention contemplates the use of vessels having a minimum of surface contact with the fluids being handled in order to minimize the likelihood of contamination from one sample to the next.
  • a vessel ofcylindrical configuration having a steep conical drain end which will provide the minimum of contacted surface area for a given volume of sample. lf the surface area corresponding to a given vessel volume is plotted against vessel diameter, it may be seen to progress through the minumum slowly, such that appreciable changes in diameter have little effect on surface area in the region ofthe minimum; thus there is some latitude in the actual diameter chosen.
  • the invention also contemplates the use of gas pressure for the purpose of transferring liquid out of a vessel, either to another vessel or further on in the general apparatus with which the invention is associated.
  • gas pressure keeps the entering liquid from going into the connecting conduit while at the same time furnishing bubbles for mixing the liquid in the first vessel.
  • the ports are interchanged by the gas control apparatus.
  • the port of the first vessel is connected to a source of gas pressure and the port of the second vessel is connected to exhaust. Under these conditions the gas will now blow the liquid from the first vessel into the second in the manner described above with the continually reduced pressure until complete drainage has been achieved. This may be referred to as a tapered application of pressure.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic or block diagram showing a portion of an automatic fluid-handling system which includes structures of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a piece of glassware fonned of two separate vessels and constructed in accordance with the invention, a portion being broken away and shown in section.
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 33 of FIG. 2 and in the indicated direction.
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 44 of FIG. 2 and in the indicated direction.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating another form of apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a plurality of systems which may be operated in different manners, depending upon the presence or absence of certain connections and valves, the view being more for explanatory purposes than for illustrating any particular form of structure.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system using a single vessel in accordance with the invention, such illustration being used also to describe a method of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 there is illustrated a system for the handling of liquids, this being a simplified form of the structure disclosed, for example, in the copending application.
  • the purpose of such structure is to process whole blood or the like fluid to ascertain certain parameters thereof by measurements and computation.
  • the vessels which are provided in accordance with the invention are those which are designated l0, l2, l4, l6 and 84, other structure taught by the invention being connected therewith.
  • the vessels are mixing chambers, and while they are intended to operate primarily in pairs as vessels 10, I2 and vessels l4, 16 in this diagram, single vessels, such as 84, may be used under many conditions.
  • the blocks 18, 20 and 22 at the top of the view comprise liquid sources A, B and C, respectively.
  • the sources may be, for example, in the apparatus described, blood, diluent, and so on.
  • the large block 24 is designated mixing valve means, and this comprises an arrangement of metering valves for controlling the introduction of liquids into the system, such block being considered also to include substantial apparatus such as pumps, conduits and the like.
  • the block 26 at the left which is designated program and control means represents an overall control for the entire system.
  • the mixing valve means 24 draws in a sample from the liquid source A at 18 by way of a line 28 and introduces a precise quantity of the sample along with a precise quantity of diluent into the first vessel 14 by way of a line 30.
  • the diluent may be obtained from the liquid source 20 by way of the line 32.
  • gas such as, for example, air under pressure
  • inlet port 34 of the line 36 is applied to the inlet port 34 of the line 36 to the interior of the vessel 16 at the top thereof.
  • This gas fills the vessel 16 and passes out the bottom end thereof.
  • suitable gas valve means 40 which receives its supply from a line 42 and is programmed by way ofa line 64 from the program and control means 26.
  • one of the features of the invention consists of the use of gas for the purpose of controlling the entry of fluid into a vessel and in this instance, entry of the liquid by way of the line 38 into the vessel I6 is controlled by the introduction of gas into the vessel 16 at the port 34.
  • gas is emerging at the bottom of the vessel M by way of the line 38, and is leaving by way of a port 44 and a line 46.
  • the liquid introduced by the mixing valve means 24 remains in the vessel M and is thoroughly mixed by the large bubbles which rise from the line 38.
  • the bubbles produced by gas coming from the vessel 16 are large.
  • the apparatus is adjusted so that these bubbles are visible, say on the order of L000 to 3,000 microns in diameter, rising very fast and disappearing quickly. Minute bubbles substantially smaller than that dimension, besides remaining in suspension long enough to be counted later as particles, would adhere to the walls of the vessels and conduits.
  • the liquid from the vessel 14 is permitted to pass through the line 38 into the vessel 16 where additional mixing occurs.
  • the gas valve means 40 converts the ports 34 and 44 from inlet and outlet respectively to outlet and inlet, so that pressure is being applied in the vessel 14 above the liquid body therein, forcing the same through the line 38 into the vessel 16.
  • the pressure is reduced in a tapered manner, that is, as the volume of liquid in the vessel 14 decreases, the pressure decreases so that there is no violent stream of bubbles shot into the body of liquid in the vessel 16 at the end of the transfer, and yet all of the liquid is so transferred.
  • some gas may continue to be pumped slowly into the vessel 16 in order to produce the additional intermixing, although introduction of the liquid at the bottom of the vessel 16 does provide mixing while transfer is occurring.
  • the first dilution was made for the purpose of producing a dilution of blood cells which may be eventually limited to white blood cells, and the liquid in the vessel 16 is intended for this purpose. Since the red blood cell count must be made at a much higher dilution, for the same sample, a dilution is made of the first dilution and this is the reason for withdrawing a small portion by way of the thief 48. It will be seen that the thief 48 is connected to the mixing valve means 24 by way of a line 50 and the liquid from this line is transferred from the mixingvalve means by way of a line 52 into the vessel I0 shown on the left, this being the first vessel of the pair interconnected by the conduit 54.
  • the mixing valve means 24 dilutes the liquid in the line 50 which passes through it by means of diluent obtained from another source 22 which is the source C by way of the line 58, so that the vessel 10 receives the concentrate and diluent in quick succession.
  • Proper metering assures that the dilution obtained in the vessel 10 is the correct one for the measurements to be made and this depends not only upon the metering mechanism of the valve means 24 but also requires that the thief 48 withdraw an absolutely representative sample from the vessel 16. Again, this in turn depends upon perfect mixing.
  • Gas valve means 60 also controlled by the program and control means by way of a control channel 62 serve the same function as the gas valve means 40.
  • the ports 66 and 68 and the lines 70 and 72 respectively are the equivalents of the ports 44 and 34 and the lines 36 and 46 and operate in the same manner.
  • the discharge occurs through the outlet drain 73 and the valve 74, this latter valve being under the control of the program and control means 26 by way of a control channel 76.
  • This is the red blood cell dilution and it is passed to a suitable counting device, such as a Coulter apparatus designated as measuring apparatus R in the block 77.
  • a suitable counting device such as a Coulter apparatus designated as measuring apparatus R in the block 77.
  • the liquid in the vessel 16 since this liquid is to be used for the white cell determination, it is first passed out of the drain 78 through the valve 79, this valve being controlled by the control channel 80.
  • the liquid passes into the line 82 and thence into the lysing vessel 84.
  • This vessel may be of the same construction as those previously described, with tangential entry and the presence of gas under pressure for mixing, holding and transfer.
  • a second fluid introduced into the vessel 84 by way of line 86 from a fluid pump 88, this pump serving to bring liquid from a fourth liquid source 90 under the control of the control channel 92 also operated by the program and control means 26.
  • the liquid which is introduced in the line 86 is a lysing agent. After lysing, the resulting fluid may be run out through the valve 94 to the line 95 which carries the same into a measuring apparatus W at 96, this preferably being a Coulter apparatus also.
  • the valve 94 is operated by means of the control channel 97 from the program and control means 26.
  • each gas valve means has an exhaust, the purpose of which is understood.
  • the vessel 84 has a line 99 by means of which the gas may be introduced from the gas valve means 89 or exhausted from the vessel 84.
  • FIG. 1 the details of the structure of a dual vessel-mixi g device are shown.
  • This comprises the structure including the vessels 14 and 16.
  • the vessels are shown capped at 100 and 102 so that they may be used in the manner contemplated, although it will be understood that the basic concept of tangential entry of fluids may be used with open vessels.
  • the line 30 (FIG. 1) is connected to the fitting 104 which is shaped to join with the wall of the vessel 14 so that its bore 106 enters the interior of the vessel tangential to the inner surface as best shown in FIG. 3.
  • the angle of the bore 106 is such that the entering stream of liquid will be pointed slightly downward, as best shown in FIG. 2.
  • gas under pressure is forced into the chamber 16 by way of the port 34, enters the bore 110 of the conduit 38 and emerges at the drain hole 112. It prevents the liquid gathering in the bottom of the vessel from entering the bore 110 so long as the pressure is applied, and large gas bubbles rise up from the drain hole 112 through the liquid (see, for example, FIG. 5) thereby mixing the liquid in an up-and-down movement. It then passes into the space above the liquid in the vessel 14 and out through the port 44.
  • the ports 34 and 44 change their functions. Pressure is applied through the port 44 and gas permitted to escape through the port 34.
  • the liquid is forced through the bore and it enters the bottom end of the vessel 16 also on a tangent at 114 (FIG. 4) so that there will be a minimum of turbulence in transfer. Since the valve 79 (FIG. 1) will normally be closed at this time, the liquid will accumulate in the bottom of the vessel 16, and the entering liquid at 1 14 will create a swirling pool which will thoroughly mix the liquid. Due to the small diameter of the path 78, the liquid will be excluded from it by the entrapped gas above the valve 79. As explained, the liquid introduced into the vessel 14 may comprise a slug of highly concentrated liquid and diluent, and where a thorough mixing is to be assured, the use of two vessels is indicated. Under many circumstances, one of the vessels may be eliminated.
  • the first vessel 14 has the entry of the liquid substantially above the level of the liquid. This assures a minimum of contamination since nothing but the diluent which follows the sample plug can come in contact with the inlet port. This is done even though better mixing may be obtained when the liquids are introduced below the surface and even though such lower introduction enables vigorous mixing without the danger of generating undesirable bubbles of very small size, because of the paramount importance of freedom from contamination.
  • the diameter of the tubing from which the vessels 14 and 16 is formed would be chosen on the basis of the volume of liquid handled so that there will be an optimum tradeoff between a minimum of surface engaged by the liquid and maximum efficiency ofmixing by bubbles.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates generally a single mixing vessel which has an inlet fitting 122 quite similar to the fitting 104 in FIG. 2, so that liquid may be introduced into the vessel I20 tangentially, generally, along the broken line 121 which is in the form of a helix.
  • the gas may also be introduced in the drain 128 by way of a line 130, also controlled by the gas control means.
  • the introduction of gas into the drain 128 produces large bubbles which rise through the body of liquid, and while preventing the liquid from entering the drain 128, also serves to mix thoroughly the liquid by an up-and-down movement represented by the small broken arrows 132.
  • Gas is exhausted from the gas control means 126 by way of the exhaust line 134.
  • the outlet valve 146 enables transfer of liquid through drain 128, being programmed in any suitable manner as indicated by control channel 147.
  • FIG. 6 The diagrammatic structure illustrated in FIG. 6 includes connections and fittings which render the structure suitable for a wide variety of applications.
  • the same is identified in FIG. 6 by the prefix 6 using the same characters of reference.
  • Mirror structure is provided for versatility, identified by the prefix 6 and the prime added to the same characters of reference.
  • inlet ports at 601 and 601 for enabling the introduction of liquid from external sources into the interior of the respective vessels, and a plurality of valves. These valves are designated V1, V2, V3, V4 and V5 and their control may be obtained from programming and control means which are not illustrated. For the most part gas pressure is used to assure proper transportation.
  • Entrance ports such as 604 and 604' are tangential; the dimensions of the vessels are such that the minimum wall surface consistent with good mixing is contacted by the volume of fluid to be handled; port entrances at the bottom of the vessels are tangential to promote swirling movement upon entry of liquids; and the size of conduits such as those draining and communicating between vessels is optimum. This has not specifically been mentioned above, but it was pointed out that capillarity due to very small diameter conduits must be avoided.
  • the size must be small enough so that gas may be used to control the fluid, as, for example, to enable it to be held in a vessel without draining by the expedient of introducing gas into the drain.
  • This dimension for the structure of said copending application handling blood dilutions has been chosen at approximately one'sixteenth inch in diameter.
  • valves V1, V2, V3 and V4 closed, gas being introduced at 636 and the valve V5 connecting only the line 6114 with the line 638, liquids may be introduced at 604 and/or 601. Bubbles will enter drain 6112 and mix the liquid in the vessel 614 and escape through the port 646, which here acts as an exhaust. No liquids are introduced at 604 or 601'.
  • the valve V5 may be arranged to enable the gas during this period of time to pass by way of the drain 6112 and the line 638' into the vessel 614.
  • the gas ports 636 and 646 are changed, so that gas is introduced at 646 and exhausted at 636.
  • the liquid from the vessel 614 passes into the vessel 616 along any chosen path, depending upon the construction and operation of the valve V5.
  • additional liquids may be introduced at 604 and 601' and additional mixing may take place, not only during entry of the liquids, but even afterwards, by permitting the gas to continue to bubble through the liquid, either from the entrance line 6114 or by way of the line 638'.
  • the liquid may be discharged through the drain 678 and the valve V3.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a novel valve system which utilizes the in vention, illustrating especially the manner in which a tapered gas pressure may be achieved for drainage purposes, as explained above.
  • the vessel 160 may be considered the equivalent of a vessel such as illustrated in FIG. 5, for example, and it is provided with a gas port 162, a liquid inlet port 164 near the top of the vessel, a drain 166 which is the equivalent of the drain 128, a lower gas inlet port 168 and valve 169, and outlet valve 170 which is the equivalent of the valve 146.
  • a gas port 162 a liquid inlet port 164 near the top of the vessel
  • a drain 166 which is the equivalent of the drain 128, a lower gas inlet port 168 and valve 169
  • outlet valve 170 which is the equivalent of the valve 146.
  • the block 172 is a source of gas which is connected by the line 174 with a pressure regulator 176 that controls the pressure of gas which is run into a storage tank 178 that is called pressure vessel in the view.
  • the pressure regular is connected to the pressure vessel 178 through a two-way valve 180 by the interconnecting lines 182 and 184.
  • the program and control means 186 has control channels to various parts of the apparatus, as indicated at 188, 190, 192 and 194.
  • the pressure vessel 178 connects by the line 196 to a manually adjustable needle valve 198 which in turn operates through a line 200 which passes the gas to a three-way valve 202.
  • This three-way valve 202 is connected to line 206 in such a manner as to enable the gas inlet port 162 in vessel 160 to be connected by way of line 206 with the exhaust line 204 or the gas pressure inlet line 200.
  • the pressure regular 176 as.) controls the gas pressure through a manual needle valve 210 by way of line 208.
  • the gas passing through needle valve 210 is passed to valve 169 by line 212.
  • valve 169 is open under control of the program and control means 186 by way of the channel 190 so that it is connected by the line 212 with the manual needle valve 210 which is receiving gas under pressure from the source of gas 172 either through the pressure regulator 176 or some other regulator by way of line 208.
  • the three-way valve 202 is ported in the manner allowing port 162 in vessel 160 to be connected to exhaust 204 through line 206.
  • valves 169, 170, and 202 it is desirable to maintain valves 169, 170, and 202 in this mode of operation until all the prescribed liquid enters and until the swirling of the liquid body subsides, to achieve the highest quality of mixing.
  • valves 169, 170, and 202 are operated to their second states to achieve emptying, by signals from the program and control means 186 through control channels 190, 194 and 188.
  • Means are provided to prevent the escape of gas from the fluid inlet 164 by such expedients as a positive displacement pump at 88 or mixing valve means at 24 of FIG. 1.
  • Valve 169 is shut off preventing further flow of gas out of drain 166.
  • Valve 170 is opened allowing liquid to pass out of drain 166 through tube 171 to the next stage of sample processing, not illustrated in FIG. 7.
  • Three-way valve 202 is ported in the manner allowing gas flowing through needle valve 198 to pass into vessel 160 by way of lines 200 and 206 through port 162.
  • two-way valve is opened by means of control channel 192 from program and control center 186.
  • the pressure vessel 178 is filled with gas at a pressure that is controlled by the regular characteristics. This could be some value such as, for example, 5 pounds per square inch, easily maintained.
  • needle valve 198 allows a gas flow into vessel 160 at port 162 through the three-way valve 202. This gas entering vessel 160 creates a gas pressure above the fluid level in vessel 160 which is adjustable by needle valve 198 to the magnitude required to force the liquid in the vessel 160 out of the drain 166 and along tube 171 at the desired rate of speed.
  • This portion of the liquid transfer operation will maintain a constant liquid transfer rate out of drain 166 and tube 171 because of the following conditions: when tube 171 is full of liquid moving at a given velocity, the friction between the liquid and the wall of the tube 171 will be a given value and the pressure drop across needle valve 198 will stabilize at a substantial value.
  • the force applied by the gas in vessel 160 onto the surface of the liquid therein is the only force applied to the system other then gravity. If the frictional forces encountered in tube 171, which is acting against the remaining gas pressure force in vessel 160, is equal to the gas pressure force and the force of gravity, there will occur no net gain or loss in the flow velocity. So if there is a constant liquid flow velocity through tube 171 there must be a constant gas pressure force in vessel 160 above the remaining liquid.
  • the frictional forces in the liquid'bearing lines 166 and 17] and in the needle valve 198 will be large with respect to the inertial forces due to the mass and velocity of the various fluids.
  • the pressure used to accomplish this will also be substantially zero. if the mass and/or velocity of the fluid is so large that inertia is not negligible, however, the capacities of gas occupied volumes may be so adjusted that a negative or braking force is applied to the liquid surface at this time.
  • Braking action is accomplished in the following manner: At the proper moment two-way valve 180 is shutoff by means of control line 192 from control center 186. As gas from pressure vessel 178 escapes through needle valve 198 the pressure in vessel 178 begins to decrease. As this pressure decreases, the flow rate of gas through the needle valve decreases and hence the flow rate of gas into vessel 160 decreases. When this happens the pressure in vessel 160 decreases which causes a decrease in the force on the remaining liquid in vessel 160 and hence a decrease in the flow rate of liquid out of tube 171. This continues until there exists no more pressure in vessel 178.
  • the adjustment of the system is accomplished by the adjustment of needle valve 198, which effects this stage of emptying along with the previous stage of constant flow emptying of vessel 160, so that for a set of given conditions of program and control time and pressure vessel 178 size a satisfactory condition of emptying may be found.
  • Structure for automatically handling liquids in mixing and transfer apparatus which comprises A. at least one vessel having an entrance port for liquid, the said entrance port being spaced substantially above the level of the liquid after said liquid has fully entered and been retained in the vessel,
  • said entrance port being arranged to direct an entering stream of liquid in such a manner against the inner surface of the vessel so as to cause most of the liquid to flow along said surface before collecting at the bottom of the vessel and to impart a horizontal component of rotary motion to said liquid
  • said vertical component-imparting means comprise a source of gas of a pressure higher than that of the gas above the liquid of said vessel connected to said vessel at least at said outlet for introducing bubbles at the bottom of said vessel into the liquid in said vessel.
  • draining means include, in addition, means for establishing a gas pressure differential above and below the liquid of such degree as to cause the liquid to be expelled from said outlet.
  • Apparatus as claimed in claim I in which the means for imparting vertical and horizontal components are so proportioned as to produce a maximum of swirling action for mixing purposes.
  • said vertical component imparting means include a gas source and means for establishing a first pressure differential of said gas above and below the liquid in the vessel so that during entering of the liquid bubbles will pass from the outlet up through the liquid, in which said means also are adapted to establish a second pressure differential of said gas above and below the liquid in said vessel so that the liquid may be expelled through said outlet on account of said second pressure differential, and there being control means for establishing said pressure differentials mutually exclusive of one another whereby to have bubble mixing without draining during entry of the liquid, and thereafter draining without bubble mixing.
  • Apparatus as claimed in claim ii in which the means for imparting a vertical component of mixing motion include arranging the entrance port so that the stream of entering liquid is slanted downward.
  • Structure for automatically handling liquids in mixing and transfer apparatus which comprises:
  • the first vessel having a first liquid entrance port spaced substantially above the maximum level of the liquid which is adapted to be collected in said first vessel, a first gas port at the top of said first vessel, and a first drain outlet at the bottom of the first vessel,
  • the second vessel having a second liquid entrance port adjacent its bottom end but substantially below the normal level of liquid in said second vessel, a second gas port at the top of the second vessel, and a second drain outlet at the bottom of the second vessel substantially below the second liquid entrance port,
  • the said first entrance port being arranged to direct an entering stream of liquid in such a manner against the inner surface of the said first vessel so as to cause most of the liquid to flow along the said inner surface before collecting at the bottom of the vessel and to impart a horizontal component of rotary motion to said liquid
  • liquid adapted to be collected in the first vessel and mixed while being so collected then transferred to the second vessel by way of said first drain outlet.
  • said first liquid entrance port includes a fitting arranged with a bore for the liquid substantially tangential with the interior surface of said first vessel and slanted generally downward.
  • the structure as claimed in claim 15 in which the second liquid entrance port is arranged to direct an entering stream of liquid in a generally tangential direction relative to the bottom of the second vessel so as to produce swirling in the liquid being collected in the second vessel below the level of said liquid.
  • control means constitutes said first gas port an exhaust port and said second gas port an inlet port while said stream of liquid is so entering said first vessel.
  • control means is arranged to change the said pressure differential after the liquid in said first vessel is mixed whereby to cause the liquid from the first vessel to be expelled into said first drain outlet, through said conduit, and by way of second liquid entrance port into said second vessel, means being provided to block the second drain outlet of said second vessel until it is desired to drain the liquid therefrom.
  • control means include structure for tapering the pressure differential during the expelling of liquid so that the pressure of the liquid stream entering the second vessel decreases as the expelling proceeds.
  • control means constitutes said first gas port an exhaust port and second gas port an inlet port while said stream of liquid is entering said first vessel, and vice versa when said liquid is entering said second vessel.
  • control means include structure for tapering the pressure differential during the expelling of liquid so that the pressure of the liquid stream entering the second vessel decreases as the expelling proceeds.
  • a method of mixing liquid entering a vessel at the top thereof and adapted to be drained from a drain at the bottom thereof which comprises: directing the entering stream of liquid into said vessel on substantially a tangential path against the interior wall thereof so that the liquid is thereby given a primarily horizontal rotative component while it collects at the bottom of the vessel and a vertical component due primarily to gravity, and in which relatively fast-moving gas bubbles are introduced at the bottom of the vessel at the center thereof to provide an additional vertical mixing component.
  • a method of mixing liquid entering a vessel at the top thereof and adapted to be drained from a drain at the bottom thereof which comprises: directing the entering stream of liquid into said vessel on substantially a tan ential path against the interior wall thereof so that the llqul is thereby given a primarily horizontal rotative component while it collects at the bottom of the vessel and a vertical component due primarily to gravity, and in which relatively fast-moving gas bubbles are introduced in the center of said vessel at the bottom thereof while the stream of liquid is entering whereby to prevent the liquid from draining from the vessel and providing an additional vertical mixing component to said liquid.
  • a method of mixing liquid entering a mixing device comprising a pair of bottom-connected static vessels which comprises: introducing the liquid into the first vessel in a swirling movement while applying a first pressure differential between vessels effective through their bottom connection to prevent drainage of liquid from the first vessel into the second, collecting and mixing the liquid in the first vessel while maintaining said pressure differential, applying a second pressure differential to expel the liquid from the first vessel to the second with a swirling movement in the second vessel and collecting the liquid in the second vessel, and draining the liquid from the second vessel after it has been collected and mixed in said second vessel.
  • a mixing device for use in a blood-diluting apparatus which comprises, a pair of vertically arranged vessels each forming a separate chamber, and having a conduit connecting them at their bottom ends, one chamber being shorter than the other whereby the connecting conduit is at an angle, an entering pipe integral with the shorter tube and having a bore disposed to direct the entering stream at an angle downward and tangential to the inner surface of the wall of the shorter chamber, the larger chamber having a drain at its bottom end.
  • the mixing device of claim 32 in which means are provided for connecting an air stream with both chambers at the top thereof in a selected manner for assisting in mixing, transferring and draining.
  • a mixing apparatus for liquids comprising, a vessel having an upper entrance port and a lower drain port, a first gas port at the top of the vessel and a second gas port in the bottom of the vessel, a source of gas under pressure, a gas pressure accumulator and means for establishing a predetermined pressure in the accumulator from the source, a gas control system connected with said accumulator and source and having connections with the vessel to introduce gas at the second port and exhaust it from the first port while liquid is being introduced into the vessel at the top thereof and accumulated in the bottom, said gas control system having switching means for discontinuing the introduction of gas into the second port and connecting the accumulator to the first port, whereby to expel the liquid from the vessel under pressure.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Biological Materials (AREA)
  • Accessories For Mixers (AREA)
  • Automatic Analysis And Handling Materials Therefor (AREA)
  • Mixers Of The Rotary Stirring Type (AREA)
US692091A 1967-12-20 1967-12-20 Liquid mixing and transfer apparatus and method Expired - Lifetime US3588053A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US69209167A 1967-12-20 1967-12-20

Publications (1)

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US3588053A true US3588053A (en) 1971-06-28

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US692091A Expired - Lifetime US3588053A (en) 1967-12-20 1967-12-20 Liquid mixing and transfer apparatus and method

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US (1) US3588053A (xx)
JP (1) JPS531507B1 (xx)
BE (1) BE725652A (xx)
BR (1) BR6804950D0 (xx)
CH (1) CH503513A (xx)
DE (1) DE1815502C3 (xx)
ES (1) ES361610A1 (xx)
FR (1) FR1596942A (xx)
IL (1) IL31283A (xx)
NL (1) NL6818184A (xx)
NO (1) NO129170B (xx)
SE (1) SE357621B (xx)

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4136970A (en) * 1977-12-15 1979-01-30 Coulter Electronics, Inc. Method and apparatus for regulating the size and frequency of bubbles employed for mixing liquids
FR2418026A1 (fr) * 1978-02-28 1979-09-21 Ngk Insulators Ltd Procede de traitement electrochimique d'anodisation, de precipitation electrolytique et de dissolution electrolytique
US4491786A (en) * 1978-09-13 1985-01-01 Coulter Electronics, Inc. Transducer for measuring particles suspended in a fluid
WO1987004943A1 (en) * 1984-11-09 1987-08-27 Zymark Corporation Control of laboratory evaporation
US4707452A (en) * 1984-10-26 1987-11-17 Zymark Corporation Laboratory evaporation
US6264895B1 (en) 1999-02-26 2001-07-24 Robert S. Johnson Evaporator
WO2003051516A1 (en) * 2001-12-14 2003-06-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Desiccator system having modular elements
US20040121484A1 (en) * 2002-12-19 2004-06-24 Tomas Betancourt Method and apparatus for mixing blood samples for cell analysis
CN102854052A (zh) * 2012-08-08 2013-01-02 长春迪瑞医疗科技股份有限公司 一种气泡混匀方法及其控制系统
US9499390B1 (en) * 2012-07-17 2016-11-22 Global Agricultural Technology And Engineering, Llc Liquid delivery system
US10401264B2 (en) * 2017-08-08 2019-09-03 National Chiao Tung University Efficient electrostatic particle-into-liquid sampler which prevents sampling artifacts

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4136970A (en) * 1977-12-15 1979-01-30 Coulter Electronics, Inc. Method and apparatus for regulating the size and frequency of bubbles employed for mixing liquids
DE2854304A1 (de) * 1977-12-15 1979-06-21 Coulter Electronics Verfahren und vorrichtung zur regelung von groesse und frequenz von zur durchmischung einer fluessigkeit erzeugten blasen
FR2418026A1 (fr) * 1978-02-28 1979-09-21 Ngk Insulators Ltd Procede de traitement electrochimique d'anodisation, de precipitation electrolytique et de dissolution electrolytique
US4491786A (en) * 1978-09-13 1985-01-01 Coulter Electronics, Inc. Transducer for measuring particles suspended in a fluid
US4707452A (en) * 1984-10-26 1987-11-17 Zymark Corporation Laboratory evaporation
WO1987004943A1 (en) * 1984-11-09 1987-08-27 Zymark Corporation Control of laboratory evaporation
US6264895B1 (en) 1999-02-26 2001-07-24 Robert S. Johnson Evaporator
WO2003051516A1 (en) * 2001-12-14 2003-06-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Desiccator system having modular elements
US20040121484A1 (en) * 2002-12-19 2004-06-24 Tomas Betancourt Method and apparatus for mixing blood samples for cell analysis
US8323984B2 (en) 2002-12-19 2012-12-04 Beckman Coulter, Inc. Method and apparatus for mixing blood samples for cell analysis
US9499390B1 (en) * 2012-07-17 2016-11-22 Global Agricultural Technology And Engineering, Llc Liquid delivery system
CN102854052A (zh) * 2012-08-08 2013-01-02 长春迪瑞医疗科技股份有限公司 一种气泡混匀方法及其控制系统
CN102854052B (zh) * 2012-08-08 2015-01-07 长春迪瑞医疗科技股份有限公司 一种气泡混匀方法及其控制系统
US10401264B2 (en) * 2017-08-08 2019-09-03 National Chiao Tung University Efficient electrostatic particle-into-liquid sampler which prevents sampling artifacts

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BR6804950D0 (pt) 1973-01-02
BE725652A (xx) 1969-06-18
NL6818184A (xx) 1969-06-24
JPS531507B1 (xx) 1978-01-19
ES361610A1 (es) 1970-12-01
NO129170B (xx) 1974-03-04
DE1815502C3 (de) 1974-06-20
DE1815502B2 (de) 1973-09-20
CH503513A (fr) 1971-02-28
SE357621B (xx) 1973-07-02
FR1596942A (xx) 1970-06-22
IL31283A0 (en) 1969-02-27
DE1815502A1 (de) 1969-08-14
IL31283A (en) 1972-02-29

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