WO2020106058A1

WO2020106058A1 - Nuclide separating device

Info

Publication number: WO2020106058A1
Application number: PCT/KR2019/015942
Authority: WO
Inventors: 김현철; 임종명; 최상도; 김선하; 장미; 김창종; 이진형; 이완로
Original assignee: 한국원자력연구원
Priority date: 2018-11-21
Filing date: 2019-11-20
Publication date: 2020-05-28
Also published as: EP3886116A4; EP3886116A1

Abstract

A nuclide separating device is disclosed. A nuclide separating device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a column arrangement part in which a plurality of columns are arranged; a first fluid channel through which a reagent or a sample to be introduced into each of the columns arranged in the column arrangement part is transferred; a second fluid channel through which a purified sample or waste discharged from the column is delivered to a collection part; a fluid channel forming part for connecting or disconnecting the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel to or from a random column arranged in the column arrangement part; a main pump for supplying pressure to introduce the reagent or the sample into the first fluid channel and to discharge the purified sample or waste from the column; and a transfer part for transferring the fluid channel forming part so that the fluid channel forming part can connect or disconnect the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel to or from another random column arranged in the column arrangement part.

Description

Nuclide separation device

The present invention relates to a device for separating nuclides, and more particularly, to a device for separating nuclides of interest from a sample for performing radioactive property evaluation such as radioactive waste and decommissioning waste.

The evaluation of radioactive properties of radioactive waste (eg, solid, soil, water, etc.) or decommissioned waste (concrete, metal, etc.) is a very important factor in the disposal of radioactive waste or nuclear power plant decommissioning. This is because disposal strategies and disposal costs vary depending on the radioactive concentrations derived through the evaluation of radioactive properties.

The evaluation of radioactive properties of radioactive and decomposed waste is based on the results of gamma nuclide analysis and alpha / beta nuclide analysis. Among these, alpha / beta nuclides require chemical separation due to their radioactive and detector characteristics. The chemical separation technique used in recent years is based on an extraction chromatography method. The extraction chromatography method is a method of separating a nuclide of interest and an interfering ion after filling a column with resin.

The chemical separation process is complicated and takes a long time, and the difference in separation efficiency may be large depending on the skill of the analyst. In order to solve such a problem, an automatic nuclide separation device that automatically performs nuclide separation using chemical separation technology has been introduced.

However, the automatic separation device for nuclides according to the prior art has a limitation in terms of throughput, such that the maximum number of samples that can be continuously separated is eight. Accordingly, there is a need to develop a nuclide separation device capable of increasing the efficiency of a process in which a large number of samples are generated, such as a process for evaluating radioactive characteristics of decomposed wastes in which 40 or more samples are generated per day.

The present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art described above, the present invention is to provide a nuclide separation apparatus capable of continuously performing nuclide separation for a number of samples.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a column arrangement unit in which a plurality of columns are disposed; A first flow path through which reagents or samples to be introduced into the column arranged in the column arrangement section are transferred; A second flow path for delivering purified sample or waste discharged from the column to a collection unit; A flow path forming part connecting or separating the first flow path and the second flow path with any column disposed in the column arrangement part; The reagent or the sample is introduced into the first flow path, the main pump for supplying pressure so that the purified sample or waste material is discharged from the column, and the other optional columns and the flow passages in which the flow path forming unit is disposed in the column arrangement unit. There is provided a nuclide separation device including a transfer unit for transporting the flow path forming portion so as to connect or separate the one flow path and the second flow path.

At this time, the transfer part may transfer the flow path forming part back and forth, left and right.

In addition, the flow path forming portion, the flow path forming portion, the first flow path connecting portion disposed on the upper portion of the column to connect or separate the upper portion of the first flow path and the column; A second flow path connection part disposed at the lower portion of the column to connect or separate the second flow path and the lower portion of the column, and the first flow path connection portion to descend or rise to connect or separate the first flow path and the upper portion of the column And, to connect or separate the lower portion of the column and the second flow path may include a driving unit for raising or lowering the second flow path connection.

In addition, the collection part includes a purification sample collection container in which the purified sample is collected, and a waste collection container in which the waste is collected, and the flow path forming part comprises any one of the purified sample collection container and the waste collection container in the second flow path connection part. It may further include a discharge selection valve that selectively connects with one.

In addition, the nuclide separation apparatus, a reagent supply unit for selecting any of a plurality of reagents and supplying them to the first flow path; A sample supply unit for supplying the sample to the first flow path and an inflow selection valve disposed in the first flow path to selectively connect the first flow path to any one of the reagent supply portion and the sample supply portion may be further included.

In addition, the sample supply unit, a needle that penetrates into the sample container containing the sample; It may include a sample supply flow path formed between the needle and the inlet valve and a needle transfer unit for transferring the needle.

In addition, the sample supply unit further includes a washing solution container containing a washing solution for washing the sample supply channel, the first channel, and the second channel, and the needle transport unit transports the needle into the washing solution container. Can infiltrate.

In addition, the sample supply unit includes a plurality of sample containers containing different samples, and the needle and the needle transfer unit are controlled in a predetermined manner, so that a sample in a plurality of sample containers and a cleaning solution in the cleaning solution container are defined. In order to be supplied to the sample supply flow path.

In addition, the collection unit further includes a purification sample collection container in which the purified sample is collected and a waste collection container in which the waste is collected, and a residual washing solution discharge unit for transferring the remaining washing solution in the washing solution container to the waste collection container. It can contain.

In addition, the residual washing solution discharge unit, a washing solution discharge passage formed between the washing solution container and the waste collection container and the residual washing solution discharge pump for supplying pressure so that the residual cleaning solution flows into the washing solution discharge passage It may include.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, extraction of a plurality of columns may be efficiently performed through a flow path forming part connecting or separating from any column disposed in the column arrangement part and a transport part transferring the flow passage forming part.

1 is a configuration diagram of a nuclide separation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a view showing an implementation of a column arrangement unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a view showing an embodiment of the flow path forming unit of the nuclide separation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a view briefly showing the arrangement of the columns and the transfer of the flow path forming unit in the nuclide separation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 and 6 are perspective views of a nuclide separation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a perspective view of a flow path structure of a separation portion of a nuclide separation device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

8 and 9 are views showing the operation of the nuclide separation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily practice. The present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly describe the present invention, parts not related to the description in the drawings are omitted, and like reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar elements throughout the specification.

In this specification, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to indicate that a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification exists, and that one or more other features are present. It should be understood that the existence or addition possibilities of fields or numbers, steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof are not excluded in advance.

An apparatus for separating nuclides according to an embodiment of the present invention is intended to be used in the analysis of radionuclides required for the evaluation of radioactive properties of radioactive waste and decommissioned waste, and may be used for chemical separation of alpha / beta nuclides. More specifically, the nuclide separation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, after filling the column with resin (Resin), chemical separation according to the extraction chromatography method of separating the nuclides of interest and the interference ions to a number of samples It can be performed continuously.

1, the nuclide separation apparatus 1a according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a column arrangement unit 10, a first flow path 20, a second flow path 30, a reagent supply unit 40, and a sample supply unit (50), inlet selection valve 60, flow path forming unit 70, main pump 80, transfer unit 90, collection unit 100, washing solution supply unit 110 and residual washing solution discharge unit 120 It includes.

A plurality of columns C1 to Cn are arranged in the column arrangement unit 10. The column arrangement unit 10 allows a plurality of columns C1 to Cn to be simultaneously disposed so that separation of a plurality of samples can be continuously performed.

The column arranging unit 10 may be formed of a tray having a plurality of column arranging holes 11 formed in a form penetrated up and down to expose the upper and lower parts of the arranged column. 2, in one embodiment of the present invention, the column arrangement 10 is formed of a rectangular tray. In addition, depending on the shape of the transfer unit 90 to be described later, the column arrangement unit 10 may be formed of a tray of another type such as an annular shape.

One column C1 to Cn is disposed in each column arrangement hole 11 of the column arrangement unit 10. Columns (C1 to Cn) are members into which reagents and samples are introduced. Resin is filled in the columns (C1 to Cn), and reagents and samples are introduced therein to separate the purified sample containing the nuclide of interest and other wastes.

The first flow path 20 is a flow path through which reagents or samples to be introduced into the column disposed in the column arrangement unit 10 are transferred. The first flow path 20 is connected to the reagent supply unit 40, the sample supply unit 50 and the inflow selection valve 60. Depending on the operation of the inflow selection valve 60, the first flow path 20 may be selectively connected to any one of the reagent supply unit 40 and the sample supply unit 50.

The second flow path 30 delivers the purified sample or waste discharged from the column to the collection unit 100. The second flow path 30 has one end connected to the flow path forming part 70 and the other end connected to the collecting part 100.

The second flow path 30 is a purification sample collection container 101 of the discharge selection valve 74 of the flow path forming part 70 and the collection part 100 of the 2-1 flow path through which the purification sample or waste discharged from the column flows. 2-2 flow path 32 connecting the) and the discharge selection valve 74 of the flow path forming portion 70 and the 2-3 flow path 33 connecting the waste collection container 102 of the collecting portion 100 It includes.

The reagent supply unit 40 selects any of a plurality of reagents and supplies them to the first flow path 20. In one embodiment of the present invention, the reagent supply unit 40 may supply six reagents R1 to R6, and the reagent selection valve 41 selects one of them and supplies them to the first flow path.

Assuming that three reagents are used in the nuclide separation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first reagent (R1) is for column optimization, the second reagent (R2) is for washing and removal of interfering nuclides, and the third Reagent (R3) may be for extracting the nuclide of interest.

On the other hand, when there are many interfering nuclides, more reagents may be used for washing and removing interfering nuclides, and accordingly, more reagents may be used. Furthermore, the number of reagents that the reagent supply unit 40 can supply or the form of the reagent selection valve 41 may be changed as necessary.

The sample supply unit 50 supplies the sample to the first flow path 20. Here, the sample is obtained from radioactive waste, decommissioning waste, and is an object that needs to be determined whether the nuclide of interest is included and the amount included.

The sample supply unit 50 includes a plurality of sample containers S1 to Sn containing a sample, a needle 51 penetrating into the sample container containing the sample, a sample supply flow path formed between the needle 51 and the inflow selection valve 60 It may include a 52 and a needle transfer unit 53 for transferring the needle.

When the sample contained in any one sample container is supplied to the first flow path 20, and the extraction of the nuclides of interest is made, the needle transfer unit 53 transfers the needle 51 so that the sample contained in the other sample container is the first flow path (20).

The sample supply unit 50 may further include a washing solution container V containing a washing solution for washing the flow path. For accurate analysis, after extracting a nuclide of interest for one sample, before supplying another sample to the first flow path 20, the sample supply flow path 52, the first flow path 20, the second flow path 30, etc. Although it is necessary to wash, the needle transfer unit 53 may transport the needle 51 to penetrate into the washing solution container V.

Meanwhile, the sample supply unit 50 may be automated by a computer program. For example, the needle 51 and the needle transfer unit 53 are controlled by a computer program to continuously separate the nuclides of interest for a plurality of samples, so that the sample and washing solution containers in the plurality of sample containers S1 to Sn It may be driven to supply the washing solution in (V) to the flow path in a predetermined order.

The inflow selection valve 60 selectively connects the first flow path 20 to any one of the reagent supply unit 40 and the sample supply unit 50. The inflow selection valve 60 is connected to one end of the first flow path 20 to connect the first flow path 20 to the reagent supply unit 40 or the sample supply unit 50.

The flow path forming unit 70 connects or separates the first flow path 20 and the second flow path 30 from any columns arranged in the column arrangement unit 10. In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow path forming portion 70 includes a first flow path connection portion 71, a second flow path connection portion 72, a driving portion 73 and a discharge selection valve 74.

The first flow path connecting portion 71 is disposed on the top of the column to connect or separate the first flow path 20 and the top of the column. The second flow path connection portion 73 is disposed at the bottom of the column to connect or separate the second flow path 30 and the bottom of the column. The driving unit 73 lowers or raises the first flow path connecting portion 71 to connect or separate the first flow path 20 and the upper portion of the column, and connects or separates the second flow path 30 and the lower portion of the column. The second flow path connecting portion 72 is raised or lowered.

On the other hand, the discharge selection valve 74 selectively connects the second flow path connecting portion 72 with any one of the purification sample collection container 101 and the waste collection container 102 of the collection unit 100. More specifically, the discharge selection valve 74 connects the second flow path connection portion 72 to the waste collection container 102 in the process of optimizing the column and separating the nuclides, and the second flow path connection portion 72 in the process of extracting the nuclides of interest. Is connected to the purified sample collection container 101.

Referring to FIG. 3, the flow path forming unit 70 is formed in a 'c' shape and is implemented on a plate 701 in a form in which a column can be arranged between the top and bottom of one side. The first flow path connection portion 71, the second flow path connection portion 72, and the discharge selection valve 74 are disposed in connection with the driving portion 73.

The driving unit 73 is a guide rail 731 provided in the vertical direction on the other side of the plate 701, the upper drive body 732 and the guide rail 731 disposed in a form that can be raised and lowered from the top of the guide rail 731 It includes a lower driving body 733 disposed in a form that can be raised and lowered from the bottom. At this time, the upper driving body 732 and the lower driving body 733 may include a servo motor.

The first flow path connection portion 71 is coupled to a portion of the upper drive body 732 that extends to one side of the plate 701, and a second flow path to a portion of the lower drive body 733 that extends to one side of the plate 701. The connection portion 72 is coupled. In addition, the discharge selection valve 74 may be coupled to the lower driving body 733 to be integrally operated with the lower driving body 733.

When the upper drive body 732 descends and the lower drive body 733 rises, the first flow path connection portion 71 and the second flow path connection portion 72 are coupled to the upper and lower portions of the column, respectively, and the column and the first flow path ( 20) and the connection of the second flow path 30 is made. In this state, the reagent or sample is supplied to the column, and optimization of the column, removal of interfering nuclides, extraction and washing of the nuclides of interest are performed.

When the upper drive body 732 rises and the lower drive body 733 descends, the first flow path connection portion 71 and the second flow path connection portion 72 are separated from the upper and lower portions of the column, respectively, and the column and the first flow path ( 20) and the second flow path 30 are separated. In this state of separation, the flow path forming unit 70 may be transferred to any other column disposed in the column arrangement unit 10 by the transfer unit 90.

The main pump 80 supplies pressure so that the reagent or sample flows into the first flow path 20 and the purified sample or waste is discharged from the column. The main pump 80 may be disposed on the first flow path 20.

In the state where the inflow selection valve 60 connects the first flow passage 20 with the reagent supply part 40, the main pump 80 supplies the reagent to the first flow passage 20, and the inflow selection valve 60 is removed. The main pump 80 supplies the sample to the first flow path 20 in a state where one flow path 20 is connected to the sample supply portion 50.

The transfer part 90 is a flow path forming part (70) so that the flow path forming part (70) can connect or separate the first flow passage (20) and the second flow passage (30) from any other column arranged in the column arrangement part (10). 70).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the transfer unit 90 may transfer the flow path forming unit 70 to the front and rear, left and right in a state in which the flow path forming portion 70 is separated from the first flow path 20 and the second flow path 30. have. When the flow path forming unit 70 is implemented in the same manner as in FIG. 3, the transfer unit 90 moves the plate 701 of the flow path forming unit 70 through a ball screw method, a method using a motor and a guide rail, and the like. Can be transferred to. That is, the transfer unit 90 may be formed of a ball screw structure, a motor and a guide rail structure.

Referring to FIG. 4, in the transfer unit 90, extraction of a nuclide of interest for one column C1 is performed, and the first flow path connection portion 71 and the second flow path connection portion 72 of the flow path forming portion 70 are In a state separated from the column C1, the flow path forming unit 70 may be transported along the X-axis or Y-axis. Accordingly, the flow path forming unit 70 is transferred to one column C1 and a column C2 arranged adjacent to the X-axis direction or a column C3 arranged adjacent to the Y-axis direction, and the corresponding column C2 or C3) and the first flow path 20 and the second flow path 30 may be connected. Accordingly, continuous extraction for a plurality of columns can be efficiently performed.

The collection unit 100 is a part for collecting purified samples or waste discharged through the second flow path 30. The collection unit 100 includes a purified sample collection container 101 in which purified samples are collected and a waste collection container 102 in which wastes are collected.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the purification sample collection container 101 may be arranged to correspond one-to-one with the column disposed in the column arrangement unit 10. That is, the purification sample collection container 101 may be arranged in a tray-type purification sample collection unit (not shown) having a purification sample collection container insertion hole at a position corresponding to a column position of the column arrangement unit 10. Through this arrangement, the separation of successive nuclides for multiple samples can be more efficiently performed.

The washing solution supply unit 110 supplies the washing solution to the washing solution container V of the sample supply unit 50. The washing solution supply unit 110 includes a washing solution tank 111, a washing solution supply flow passage 112, and a washing solution supply pump 113.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the washing solution container V may include an inner container V1 and an outer container V2 surrounding the inner container V1. The inner container V1 is a portion in which the cleaning solution for washing the sample supply channel 52, the first channel 20 and the second channel 30 is stored, and the outer container V2 is the inner container V1. This is where the excess cleaning solution is stored.

On the premise that the cleaning solution container V is configured as above, the cleaning solution supply flow passage 112 is formed as the inner container V1 of the cleaning solution container V in the cleaning solution tank 111. That is, the washing solution in the washing solution tank 111 is supplied to the inner container V1 according to the operation of the washing solution supply pump 113.

The remaining washing solution discharge unit 120 transfers the remaining washing solution in the washing solution container V to the waste collection container 102. Here, the remaining washing solution means a washing solution overflowing from the inner container V1 and remaining in the outer container V2.

Once washing is performed once, and the extraction of the nuclides of interest for one sample is performed, and then washing before extraction of the nuclides of interest for another sample, using the remaining washing solution remaining in the previous washing is a risk of contamination. There is, it is preferable to use a cleaning solution supplied freshly from the cleaning solution tank 111.

The remaining washing solution discharge unit 120 blocks the possibility of contamination during the next washing by transferring the remaining washing solution in the outer container V2 of the washing solution container V to the waste collection container 102 of the collection unit 100. .

The remaining washing solution discharge unit 120 is disposed in the washing solution discharge passage 121 and the washing solution discharge passage 121 formed between the washing solution container V and the waste collection container 102 so that the residual washing solution is the washing solution. It may include a residual washing solution discharge pump 122 for supplying pressure to flow into the discharge passage 121.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the residual washing solution is discharged to the waste collection container 102 of the collection unit 100 rather than a separate waste collection container. Accordingly, the size of the device can be reduced, and space efficiency can be secured.

When explaining the operation of the nuclide separation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, when the analysis of the first sample is started, in the state in which the first flow path 20, the column, and the second flow path 30 are connected by the flow path forming unit 70, the inflow selection valve 60 is the sample supply unit 50 It is connected with. At this time, the washing solution is supplied through the sample supply unit 50 to wash the first flow path 20, the main pump 80, the column, the second flow path 30, and the discharge selection valve 74.

In the washing process, the washing solution in the washing solution tank 111 is supplied to the inner container V1 according to the operation of the washing solution supply pump 113, and the remaining washing solution in the outer container V2 is the washing solution discharge pump 122 According to the operation of the washing solution discharged through the flow path 121 is discharged to the waste collection container 102 of the collection unit 100.

On the other hand, at the end of the washing process, the needle 51 of the sample supply unit 50 is transferred to the outside of the washing solution container V so that air is sucked into the flow path so that the flow path is dried.

Next, the inlet selection valve 60 is connected to the reagent supply unit 40, the reagent for optimization of the column according to the operation of the main pump 80, that is, the first reagent is supplied to the column, the waste discharged to the bottom of the column Silver is collected in the waste collection container 102 of the collection unit 100.

Subsequently, the inflow selection valve 60 is connected to the sample supply unit 50, and the sample is injected into the column according to the operation of the main pump 80. In addition, the inlet selection valve 60 is connected to the reagent supply unit 40 again, and according to the operation of the main pump 80, one or more reagents for the removal of disturbed nuclides are supplied to the column, and waste discharged to the bottom of the column Collected in the waste collection container 102 of the collection unit 100.

Thereafter, the sample supply unit 50 supplies reagents for separation of the nuclides of interest, and the purified sample is discharged to the bottom of the column according to the operation of the main pump 80. At this time, the discharge selection valve 74 forms a flow path so that the purified sample flows into the purified sample collection container 101 of the collection unit 100.

After that, the inflow selection valve 60 is connected to the sample supply unit 50 and again the washing of the flow path using the washing solution proceeds as described above.

Finally, after washing, the flow path forming part 70 and the first flow passage 20, the column and the second flow passage 30 are separated from each other, and the flow path forming part 70 is different by the transfer part 90. It is transferred to the column. After the flow path forming unit 70 is transferred to another column, the first flow path 20, the other column, and the second flow path 30 are connected by the flow path forming unit 70 and may proceed from column optimization.

As described above, the nuclide separation apparatus 1a according to an embodiment of the present invention connects the upper and lower portions of the column with other components while the first flow path connection portion 71 and the second flow path connection portion 72 are driven, or By releasing, the flow path is formed or released. In addition, the transfer unit 90 transfers the flow path forming unit 70 while the flow path is released. Accordingly, extraction may be continuously performed by connecting an arbitrary column to the sample and connecting another column to the sample after extraction is completed.

Hereinafter, a nuclide separation device 1b according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

5 and 6 are perspective views of a nuclide separation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The nuclide separation apparatus 1b according to another embodiment of the present invention is for use in the analysis of nuclides required for the evaluation of radioactive properties of radioactive wastes and decommissioned wastes, as in the embodiment of the present invention, in particular, alpha / beta nuclides It can be used for chemical separation of.

5 and 6, the nuclide separation apparatus 1b according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a column holding part 1010 in which a column 1011 is disposed, and a collection tube holding in which a collection tube 1021 is disposed. It includes a portion 1020, a waste discharge portion 1030, a separation portion 1040, a connection portion 1050 and a transfer portion 1060.

The column 1011 is a member through which reagents and samples are introduced. The column 1011 is filled with resin, and reagents and samples are introduced therein to separate the purification sample containing the nuclide of interest and other wastes. Samples and reagents may be stored in separate sample tanks (not shown) and reagent tanks (not shown), respectively, and they may be transported by a pump (not shown) and introduced into the column 1011.

A plurality of columns 1011 are disposed in the column holding unit 1010. The column holding unit 1010 allows a plurality of columns 1011 to be simultaneously disposed so that separation of a plurality of samples can be continuously performed. The column holding unit 1010 may be formed such that a plurality of columns 1011 are arranged in an annular shape. Specifically, the column holding unit 1010 may include any one of a disc-shaped member, an annular member, and a toothed member, and may be configured to be fixed by inserting the column 1011 at regular intervals along its rim. For example, the column holding unit 1010 may be configured such that 20 columns are simultaneously disposed along its edge.

Meanwhile, the column holding part 1010 may be integrally connected to the collection tube holding part 1020 through the support part 1070. The column holding part 1010 may be integrally moved with the collection tube holding part 1020 by being connected to the collection tube holding part 1020 through the support part 1070.

The collection tube 1021 is a container in which the purified sample that has passed through the column 1011, in other words, the purified sample extracted from the column 1011 is collected. The collection tube 1021 is disposed corresponding to the lower portion of each column 1011 disposed in the column holding portion 1010. That is, the collection tube 1021 is disposed in a one-to-one correspondence to the bottom of each column 1011 so that the purified sample extracted from one column 1011 can be collected from the bottom.

The collection tube holding unit 1020 is arranged to be spaced apart from the lower portion of the column holding unit 1010, so that the collection tube 1021 is disposed corresponding to the lower portion of each column 1011 disposed in the column holding unit 1010. In another embodiment of the present invention, the collection tube holding part 1020 may be configured such that the collection tube 1021 corresponding to each column 1011 is arranged in an annular shape, like the column holding part 1010. For example, when the column holding portion 1010 is configured to simultaneously arrange 20 columns 1011 in an annular shape, the collection tube holding portion 1020 correspondingly has 20 collecting tubes 1021 arranged in an annular shape It can be configured as possible.

The collection tube holding portion 1020 may include any one of a disc-shaped member, an annular member, and a toothed member. Looking more specifically, the collection tube holding unit 1020 is a disc-shaped upper plate 1022 supporting the upper portion of the collection tube 1021 and a lower plate in the form of a cog wheel supporting the lower end of the collection tube 1021. It may include (1023).

As described above, the collection tube holding part 1020 may be integrally connected to the column holding part 1010 through the support part 1070. At this time, the support part 1070 is a column member connecting the lower plate 1023 of the collecting tube holding part 1020 with the upper plate 1022 and the upper plate 1022 and the column holding part of the collecting tube holding part 1020 A column member connecting the 1010 may be included, and a plurality of them may be provided at regular intervals for stable coupling between the column holding portion 1010 and the collecting tube holding portion 1020.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the centers of the column holding portion 1010 and the collecting tube holding portion 1020 are disposed on the same axis, and the column holding portion 1010 and the collecting tube holding portion 1020 are It has a form that can be rotated integrally around an axis.

The waste discharge unit 1030 discharges waste discharged from the column 1011 to the outside. Separation of the purified sample and waste is made in the column 1011, and the purified sample is collected in the collection tube 1021, and the waste is discharged to the outside through the waste discharge unit 1030. In another embodiment of the present invention, the waste discharge unit 1030 is formed of a discharge pipe connected to the valve 1042 of the separation unit 1040, and the waste discharge unit 1030 is connected to a waste storage tank (not shown). Can be.

The separation part 1040 is disposed between the column holding part 1010 and the collection tube holding part 1020, and when connected to the column 1011 and the collection tube 1021, the purified sample flows into the collection tube 1021, The waste is separated to be discharged to the waste discharge unit 1030. The separation portion 1040 includes a flow path structure 1041 and a valve 1042.

7 is a perspective view of a flow path structure of a separation unit of a nuclide separation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, the flow path structure 1041 has a rectangular block shape as a whole. The flow path structure 1041 includes a column connection portion 1411, a first flow path 1412, a second flow path 1412, and a collection tube connection portion 1414. The column connecting portion 1411 is formed on the upper portion of the flow path structure 1041 and has a hole shape that can be connected to the lower portion of the column 1011. The first flow path 1412 is a flow path formed toward the valve 1042 from the column connection portion 1411 so that purified sample or waste material flowing through the column connection portion 1411 can be transferred to the valve 1042. In addition, the second flow path 1413 is a flow path formed between the valve 1042 and the collection tube connection portion 1414 so that the purified sample passing through the valve 1412 can be introduced into the collection tube 1021. On the other hand, the collection tube connecting portion 1414 is formed on the lower portion of the flow path structure 1041, and has a shape of a tube that can be connected to the upper portion of the collection tube 1021. The collection tube connection 1414 communicates with the second flow path 1413.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the flow path structure 1041 is connected to the frame F and is installed on a plate 1043 disposed between the column holding portion 1010 and the collecting tube holding portion 1020. More specifically, the flow path structure 1041 is provided with through holes 1415 penetrated in the vertical direction at each corner, and a guide pin member 1431 coupled to the plate 1043 is inserted into each through hole 1415. Through this, the flow path structure 1041 has a shape that can be slid up and down on the plate 1043.

The valve 1042 separates the purification sample and waste introduced from the column 1011 through the first flow passage 1412 when the flow path structure 1041 is connected to the column 1011 and the collection tube 1021, but the purification sample is It is sent to the collection tube 1021 through the second flow path 1413, and the waste is discharged to the waste discharge unit 1030. That is, the valve 1042 is connected to a first flow path 1412 serving as an input flow path, a second flow path 1413 serving as an output flow path, and a waste discharge unit 1030, and flows through the first flow path 1412. In the case where the purified fluid is a purified sample, a flow path is formed through the second flow path 1413, and when the fluid flowing through the first flow path 1412 is waste, a flow path is formed through the waste discharge unit 1030.

The connection part 1050 allows connection between the column 1011, the separation part 1040, and the collection tube 1021 for separation, and when separation is completed, the column 1011, the separation part 1040, and the collection tube ( 1021). In another embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion 1050 raises the collecting tube 1021 to make a connection between the flow path structure 1041 and the column 1011 and the collecting tube 1021, and the collecting tube 1021 ) Allows the connection between the flow path structure 1041 and the column 1011 and the collection tube 1021 to be released.

Referring to FIG. 6, in another embodiment of the present invention, the connection portion 1050 includes an actuator 1051, a power transmission portion 1052, a ball screw portion 1053, and a lifting portion 1054. The actuator 1051 may be formed of a servo motor, and the power transmission unit 1052 may transmit rotational driving force to the ball screw unit 1053 through pulleys and belts. In addition, the ball screw unit 1053 includes a screw rotating by the power transmitted through the power transmission unit 1052, and a ball nut coupled to the screw and linearly moving according to the rotation of the screw, but the ball nut is vertically oriented. It can be arranged to move along. On the other hand, the lifting portion 1054 is connected to the ball screw portion 53 and is arranged to rise or fall along the vertical direction, and has a form capable of gripping the collection tube 21.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the lifting portion 1054 may include a gripping portion 1451 for gripping the collection tube 1021 and an actuator 1542 that transmits power to the gripping portion 1451. At this time, the gripping portion 1541 is formed in a form that can pass through the space between the teeth of the lower plate 1023 in the form of a cog wheel that supports the lower end of the collection tube 1021.

The transfer unit 1060 separates the other column 1011 and the collection tube 1021 disposed in correspondence with the separation unit 1040 when separation for one column 1011 is completed so that separation for a plurality of samples is continuously performed. Transfer it to a connectable location. The transfer part 1060 may be configured to rotate the collection tube holding part 1020 and the column holding part 1010 integrally connected together, and may include an actuator disposed under the collection tube holding part 1020. .

As described above, in another embodiment of the present invention, the centers of the column holding part 1010 and the collection tube holding part 1020 are disposed on the same axis, and the transfer part 1060 holds the collection tube about the axis. The part 1020 is rotated, and accordingly, the column holding part 1010 can also rotate integrally with the collection tube holding part 1020 about the axis.

8 and 9 are views showing the operation of the nuclide separation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 8 and 9 will be described the operation of the nuclide separation device 1b according to another embodiment of the present invention.

First, a process in which the connection between the column 1011, the separation unit 1040 and the collection tube 1021 is performed in the nuclide separation device 1b will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

The lifting part 1054 of the connection part 1050 grips the collection tube 1021 in a state in which the column 1011 to be separated and the collection tube 1021 corresponding thereto are disposed on the upper and lower portions, respectively. ) As the actuator 1051 rotates in one direction, the lifting portion 1054 is raised. As a result, the open top of the collection tube 1021 is coupled to the collection tube coupling portion 1414 formed at the bottom of the flow path structure 1041 of the separation portion 1040, and at the same time, the column coupling formed at the top of the flow path structure 1041 The lower portion of the column 1011 is inserted into the portion 1411. At this time, as the collection tube 1021 rises, the flow path structure 1041 is also pushed up, and the collection tube 1021, the flow path structure 1041, and the column 1011 may be combined.

Simultaneously or sequentially, samples and reagents may be introduced through the upper portion of the column 1011. The inflow of the sample and the reagent into the column 1011 is made through the inlet part 1080. The inlet part 1080 is an actuator 1081, a power transmission part 1082, and a ball screw part as shown in FIG. 1083 and an injection unit 1084.

The actuator 1081 may be formed of a servo motor, and the power transmission unit 1082 may transmit rotational driving force to the ball screw unit 1083 through pulleys and belts. In addition, the ball screw portion 1083 includes a screw rotating by the power transmitted through the power transmission unit 1082, and a ball nut coupled to the screw and linearly moving according to the rotation of the screw, wherein the ball nut is vertically oriented. It can be arranged to move along. Meanwhile, the injection portion 1084 is connected to the ball screw portion 1083 and is arranged to rise or fall along a vertical direction, and may be connected to a flow path (not shown) through which samples and reagents are introduced.

As the actuator 1081 rotates in one direction, the injection portion 1084 descends, and accordingly, the injection portion 1084 is combined with the upper portion of the column 1011. In addition, the coupling between the column 1011 and the flow path structure 1041 of the separation unit 1040 is more stably performed while the column 1011 is pressed downward as the injection unit 1084 descends.

Next, a process in which the connection between the column 1011, the separation unit 1040 and the collection tube 1021 in the nuclide separation device 1b is released will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

When the separation for one column 1011 is completed, the lifting portion 1054 is lowered as the actuator 1051 of the connection portion 1050 rotates in the other direction. As a result, the coupling of the collection tube 1021 and the collection tube coupling portion 1414 is released, and at the same time, the lower portion of the column 11 is also detached from the column coupling portion 1411 formed on the upper portion of the flow path structure 1041. At this time, the flow path structure 1041 is also lowered by its own weight as the collection tube 1021 descends, and the coupling of the collection tube 1021, the flow path structure 1041, and the column 1011 is released.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the lifting portion 1054 descends to the bottom of the lower plate 1023 of the collecting tube holding portion 1020. Accordingly, the collection tube holding part 1020 and the column holding part 1010 can be rotated by the transfer part 1060, and as a result, separation for the next column 1011 is prepared.

Meanwhile, simultaneously or sequentially, as the actuator of the inflow part 1080 rotates in the other direction, the injection part 1084 is also spaced apart from the upper part of the column 1011, and the coupling between the injection part 1084 and the column 1011 is also released. do.

The nuclide separation apparatus 1b according to another embodiment of the present invention has different configurations of the upper and lower portions of the column through the inlet portion 80 disposed at the upper portion of the column and the connection portion 50 disposed at the lower portion of the column. By connecting or disconnecting, the flow path can be formed or released. In more detail, the connection part 50 connects or releases the separation part 40 and the lower part of the column, and the inlet part 80 is connected to the upper part of the column in a descending state so that reagent or sample is injected into the column and rises. In the state, it is separated from the top of the column. Accordingly, after transferring the extracted column connected to the sample from the flow path forming position, another column to be newly extracted can be disposed at the flow path forming position.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described, the spirit of the present invention is not limited by the embodiments presented herein, and those skilled in the art to understand the spirit of the present invention, within the scope of the same spirit, components Other embodiments can be easily proposed by addition, modification, deletion, addition, etc., but it will be said that this also falls within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

A column arrangement unit in which a plurality of columns are disposed;

A first flow path through which reagents or samples to be introduced into the column arranged in the column arrangement section are transferred;

A second flow path for delivering purified sample or waste discharged from the column to a collection unit;

A flow path forming part connecting or separating the first flow path and the second flow path with any column disposed in the column arrangement part;

A main pump for supplying pressure such that the reagent or the sample flows into the first flow path, and the purified sample or waste is discharged from the column;

A nuclide separation device including a transfer portion for transferring the flow path forming portion so that the flow path forming portion may connect or separate the first flow path and the second flow path from any other column disposed in the column arrangement portion.
According to claim 1,

The transfer unit is a nuclide separation device capable of transferring the flow path forming portion back and forth, left and right.
According to claim 1,

The flow path forming unit,

A first flow path connection part disposed on the column to connect or separate the first flow path and the top of the column;

A second flow path connection part disposed at a lower portion of the column to connect or separate the second flow path and the lower portion of the column;

The first flow path connection portion is lowered or raised to connect or separate the first flow path and the upper portion of the column, and the second flow path connection portion is raised or lowered to connect or separate the second flow path and the lower portion of the column. Nuclide separation device comprising a driving unit.
The method of claim 3,

The collection unit includes a purification sample collection container in which the purified sample is collected and a waste collection container in which the waste is collected,

The flow path forming unit further comprises a discharge selection valve for selectively connecting the second flow path connection part to any one of the purification sample collection container and the waste collection container.
According to claim 1,

A reagent supply unit for selecting any reagent among a plurality of reagents and supplying the reagent to the first flow path;

Sample supply unit for supplying the sample to the first flow path and

The nuclide separation device further comprises an inflow selection valve disposed in the first flow path and selectively connecting the first flow path to any one of the reagent supply section and the sample supply section.
The method of claim 5,

The sample supply unit,

A needle penetrating into the sample container containing the sample;

A sample supply flow path formed between the needle and the inflow valve, and

Nuclide separation device comprising a needle transport for transporting the needle.
The method of claim 6,

Further comprising a washing solution container containing a cleaning solution for washing the sample supply passage, the first passage and the second passage,

The needle transport unit is a nuclide separation device capable of transporting the needle and penetrating into the washing solution container.
The method of claim 7,

The sample supply unit includes a plurality of sample containers containing different samples,

The needle and the needle transport unit is controlled in a predetermined manner, a nuclide separation device for supplying the sample in the plurality of sample containers and the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution container to the sample supply flow path in a predetermined order.
The method of claim 7,

The collection unit includes a purification sample collection container in which the purified sample is collected and a waste collection container in which the waste is collected,

A nuclide separation device further comprising a residual washing solution discharge unit for transferring the remaining washing solution in the washing solution container to the waste collection container.
The method of claim 9,

The residual washing solution discharge unit,

A washing solution discharge passage formed between the washing solution container and the waste collection container, and

And a residual washing solution discharge pump that supplies pressure so that the residual washing solution flows into the washing solution discharge passage.