WO2024084327A1 - Sampling structure for materials suspended in water - Google Patents

Sampling structure for materials suspended in water Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024084327A1
WO2024084327A1 PCT/IB2023/060102 IB2023060102W WO2024084327A1 WO 2024084327 A1 WO2024084327 A1 WO 2024084327A1 IB 2023060102 W IB2023060102 W IB 2023060102W WO 2024084327 A1 WO2024084327 A1 WO 2024084327A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
filter
water
command
filtering surface
control unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2023/060102
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gioacchino BONO
Original Assignee
Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche filed Critical Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche
Publication of WO2024084327A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024084327A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
    • G01N1/10—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
    • G01N1/10—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state
    • G01N2001/1006—Dispersed solids
    • G01N2001/1012—Suspensions
    • G01N2001/1025—Liquid suspensions; Slurries; Mud; Sludge

Definitions

  • the invention develops in the technical field of research regarding the monitoring of materials suspended in water, such as microplastics, in fresh and salt water, according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the invention relates to a sampling structure for materials suspended in water, preferably for semi-automated sampling of microplastics suspended in the surface layers of aquatic environments.
  • Prior art structures are for example manta nets dragged by ships or manual pumping systems.
  • the sample thus collected is kept at a low temperature, fixed in alcohol or fixed in formaldehyde so as not to degrade the collected organic part.
  • the sample is submitted to digestion of the organic part and analysis directly on board.
  • the sample is transported ashore, submitted to digestion of the organic part in the laboratory, and then analysed.
  • sampling structures and the methods of the prior art need specialised operators capable of carrying out the treatment steps, which require a considerable increase in the costs of the sampling step.
  • the sample must be kept at low temperatures or fixed with ethyl alcohol or formaldehyde to stop the decomposition of the organic component and avoid compromising the subsequent processing of the collected sample.
  • the technical problem underlying the present invention is to propose a sampling structure for materials suspended in water, in particular microplastics, that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.
  • the predigestion of the organic component is activated and regulated according to the degree of clogging of a main filter, detected by at least one pressure sensor, which measures the water pressure upstream and downstream of the withdrawn sample.
  • the sample thus collected and prepared can be kept at room temperature without further treatment.
  • FIG. 1 shows the schematic operation of a structure for sampling water, whether seawater or fresh water, according to the present invention.
  • the present invention relates to a structure 1 for sampling water, whether seawater or freshwater, containing suspended materials, including e.g. microplastics and organic materials, e.g. phytoplankton or zooplankton.
  • suspended materials including e.g. microplastics and organic materials, e.g. phytoplankton or zooplankton.
  • the structure 1 is applicable to a vessel 2, shown in Figure 1.
  • the vessel 2 on which the structure 1 is applied is any vessel, involved for example in professional fishing, marine research, or the transport of people and/or goods.
  • the vessel 2 comprises a hull 23 with an inlet 24 configured to introduce a flow of water in a controlled manner into the sampling structure 1.
  • said inlet 24 is a sea cock, installed on the hull 23, below the waterline 2a of the vessel 2.
  • the inlet 24 is implemented by installing an off-board sampling pipe on the hull 23 with a draught below the waterline.
  • the structure 1 is positioned on the hull 23 at the inlet 24.
  • the structure 1 is positioned in an accessible room of the vessel 2, in fluid communication, via a connecting pipe 38, with the inlet 24.
  • the structure 1 comprises a suction pump 27, e.g., of the volumetric type.
  • the water 8 entering the structure 1 comes from a layer of water between 0.5 and 3 metres deep, depending on the size of the vessel and its draught.
  • the suction pump 27 is selected in such a way as to reduce the risk of damaging suspended materials, such as microplastics, introduced into the structure 1.
  • the structure 1 Downstream of the suction pump 27, the structure 1 comprises a first volumetric counter 28, in fluid communication with the suction pump 27 and configured to measure the entering water flow 8 introduced into the same structure 1.
  • the volume of water introduced into the structure 1 is known. This will be useful for the operation of the structure 1 as we will learn later in the description.
  • the structure 1 comprises a first filter 5, also called main filter 5, configured to filter the water introduced into the structure 1.
  • the main filter 5 is made of material compatible for spectroscopic analysis, e.g., FTIR or Raman.
  • the main filter 5 comprises a filtering surface 6, configured to retain microplastics and organic materials contained in the water 8 introduced into the structure 1.
  • the main filter 5 has a diameter of between 20 and 60 millimetres, for example equal to 25 or 47 millimetres.
  • the filtering surface 6 has a porosity of between 0.5 and 30 microns.
  • structure 1 comprises a filter holder 52 that is configured to keep the main filter 5 stable during water sampling operations.
  • the structure 1 comprises a second volumetric counter 9 in fluid communication with the suction pump 27 and configured to measure the flow of entering water 8 downstream of the first volumetric counter 28 and upstream of the main filter 5. Moreover, due to the presence of the second volumetric counter 9, i.e., a flow meter, the volume of the water introduced into the main filter 5 is known. This will be useful for the operation of the structure 1 as we will learn later in the description.
  • the structure 1 comprises a pressure sensor 7 configured to measure pressure values of the water 8 entering within the structure 1, between the inlet 24 and the main filter 5.
  • the pressure sensor 7 is configured to measure pressure values of the water 8 entering within the structure 1, between the second volumetric counter 9 and the main filter 5.
  • the structure 1 comprises a command and control unit 10 in signal communication with the pressure sensor 7 and configured to receive pressure values of the entering water 8 from the pressure sensor 7.
  • the command and control unit 10 is connected by cable with the pressure sensor 7.
  • the command and control unit 10 is in signal communication with the suction pump 27 and is configured to control switching on or off thereof depending on the operating conditions to which the structure 1 is subjected.
  • command and control unit 10 is configured to compare the pressure values of the entering water 8 with a predefined pressure parameter.
  • the predefined pressure parameter is a parameter that is defined by specialised users, e.g., researchers, prior to the commissioning of the structure 1.
  • command and control unit 10 is in signal communication with the first volumetric counter 28 and is configured to receive data on the volume of water introduced into the structure 1.
  • command and control unit 10 is in signal communication with the second volumetric counter 9 and is configured to receive data related to the water volume upstream of the main filter 5.
  • the structure 1 comprises one container 12.
  • the container 12 is configured to contain a predigesting solution 13.
  • a predigesting solution 13 is configured to digest the organic material retained by the filtering surface 6 of the main filter 5.
  • the container 12 is in signal communication with the command and control unit 10.
  • the predigesting solution 13 comprises an acidic and/or basic solution.
  • the predigesting solution 13 comprises a base, e.g., NaOH or KOH, and an acid, e.g., HNO3.
  • a base e.g., NaOH or KOH
  • an acid e.g., HNO3.
  • command and control unit 10 is configured to release the predigesting solution 13 from the container 12 on the filtering surface 6 depending on the comparison between the pressure values of the entering water 8 and the predefined pressure parameter.
  • command and control unit 10 is configured to command the release of the predigesting solution 13 from the container 12 on the filtering surface 6 when the pressure values of the entering water 8 are greater than the predefined pressure parameter or after a predetermined interval of operating said suction pump 27.
  • command and control unit 10 is configured to command the release of the predigesting solution 13 from the container 12 according to two conditions.
  • the command and control unit 10 controls the release of the predigesting solution 13 on the filtering surface 6 when the pressure values detected by the first pressure sensor 7 and/or by a second pressure sensor 17 are greater than the predetermined pressure parameter, as detailed in the following description.
  • the command and control unit 10 is configured to command the release of the solution according to a second condition.
  • the command and control unit 10 is configured to command the release of the predigesting solution 13 from the container 12 on the filtering surface 6 after a predetermined interval of operating the suction pump 27.
  • the operating interval is predetermined, e.g., by a specialised user.
  • the predigesting solution 13 is released onto the filtering surface 6 after a predetermined operating interval, i.e., after a predetermined volume of entering water has been filtered by the main filter 5.
  • the predigesting solution 13 is released according to the second condition.
  • the structure 1 comprises at least one dosing pump 29 in fluid communication with the container 12 and configured to dose the predigesting solution 13 released onto the filtering surface 6.
  • the structure 1 comprises at least two containers 12a, 12b, each configured to contain the respective acidic or basic solution.
  • each container 12a, 12b is configured to contain a predigesting solution 13a, 13b.
  • the predigesting solution 13a comprises the acidic solution.
  • the predigesting solution 13b comprises the basic solution.
  • the structure 1 comprises at least two dosing pumps 29a, 29b, each in fluid communication with the respective container 12a, 12b.
  • each dosing pump 29a, 29b is configured to dose the predigesting solution 13a, 13b from the respective container 12a, 12b independently of the other dosing pump 29a, 29b.
  • the structure 1 comprises a washing container 12c, configured to contain microfiltered water 13c.
  • the structure 1 comprises a drinking water microfiltration plant, not shown in the Figure, configured to filter the entering water 8 from the inlet 24 to obtain microfiltered water 13c for final washing of the filtering surface 6.
  • command and control unit 10 is in signal communication with the washing container 12c.
  • the structure 1 comprises a washing pump 29c, in fluid communication with the washing container 12c and configured to dose the microfiltered water 13c released on the filtering surface 6.
  • command and control unit 10 is configured to command the washing pump 29c for the release of microfiltered water 13c from the washing container 12c on the filtering surface 6.
  • the structure 1 comprises an air generator 35, configured to generate an air flow capable of drying the filtering surface 6 of the main filter 5 and in signal communication with the command and control unit 10.
  • command and control unit 10 is configured to command the activation of the air generator 35 to release air, preferably hot air, on the filtering surface 6 to dry said filtering surface 6.
  • the structure 1 comprises an additional pressure sensor 17 downstream of the main filter 5 and configured to measure pressure values of the exiting water 18.
  • the additional pressure sensor 17 is in signal communication with the command and control unit 10.
  • This command and control unit 10 is configured to receive and transmit the pressure values of the exiting water 18 from the additional pressure sensor 17.
  • the additional pressure sensor 17 is in signal communication with the command and control unit 10 via cable.
  • command and control unit 10 is configured to compare the pressure values of the entering water 8 with the pressure values of the exiting water 18.
  • command and control unit 10 is configured to calculate a control parameter as a function of pressure values of the entering water 8 and pressure values of the exiting water 18.
  • control parameter is calculated as the difference between the pressure values of the exiting water 18 and the pressure values of the entering water 8.
  • command and control unit 10 is configured to compare the control parameter with the predefined pressure parameter.
  • the command and control unit 10 is configured to command the release of the predigesting solution 13 from the container 12 on the filtering surface 6 as a function of the comparison between the control parameter and the predefined pressure parameter.
  • the command and control unit 10 is configured to release the predigesting solution 13 on the filtering surface 6.
  • the structure 1 comprises a second filter 30, e.g., positioned at the inlet 24.
  • the second filter 30 is configured to filter out foreign material and/or sediment in the water.
  • the second filter 30 thus prevents coarse foreign materials and/or sediment from rapidly accumulating on the filtering surface 6 of the main filter 5.
  • the second filter 30 has a filtering surface having a porosity of between 60 and 80 microns, e.g., of 70 microns.
  • the second filter 30 is a self-cleaning mechanical filter.
  • the second filter 30 is made of stainless steel.
  • the automatic cleaning of the second filter 30 is programmed by means of pressure controls that may be performed upstream and/or downstream of the second filter 30.
  • the structure 1 comprises a third filter, not shown in the Figure, upstream of the second filter 30, with a porosity of between 300 and 500 microns.
  • the third filter is a self-cleaning mechanical filter, it is made of stainless steel, and the automatic cleaning of the third filter is programmed, for example, by means of pressure controls that may be performed upstream and/or downstream of the third filter, i.e., in a similar way as with the second filter 30.
  • the vessel 2 comprises a GPS locator 25, which is configured to geolocate the vessel 2 in order to determine the geographical coordinates of each performed sampling.
  • the GPS locator 25 is in signal communication with the command and control unit 10, which is configured to receive the geographical coordinates of each performed sampling.
  • the command and control unit 10 comprises a memory unit 26 configured to store the sampling geographical position of each sample through the main filter 5.
  • the vessel 2 comprises a transceiver 32 configured to receive or send information to or from a remote location 39, relating for example to the management of the sampling process.
  • the transceiver 32 is in signal communication with the command and control unit 10. It should be noted that the transceiver 32 is configured to send coordinates related to the sampling positions to be reached.
  • the transceiver 32 is one of the following antennas: V-SAT or 4G or 5G or LTE.
  • the command and control unit 10 is configured to send a removal signal to a receiving device, not shown in the Figure, operated by an operator on board the vessel 2.
  • This receiving device is configured to warn an operator that the main filter 5 is to be removed.
  • the command and control unit 10 sends the removal signal via Wi-Fi 20.
  • the sampling modes are pre-set in the command and control unit 10. In an alternative embodiment, the sampling modes are established in real time by a specialised operator operating at the remote location 39.
  • the sampling method is of the semi-automatic type which means, in the context of the present invention, that the step of collecting water containing organic material and microplastics and the step of pre-digesting the accumulated organic material on the main filter 5 as well as the steps of filtering the organic material and microplastics from the water are carried out automatically by the devices of the structure 1, while the step of removing the main filter 5 is carried out manually by an operator.
  • the method comprises a step of providing a vessel 2 provided with a structure 1.
  • the method comprises a step of predigesting the organic material accumulated on the filtering surface 6 of the main filter 5 of the structure 1.
  • the step of predigesting the accumulated organic material on the filtering surface 6 of the main filter 5 comprises further sub-steps of releasing the predigesting solution 13 from the container 12 on the filtering surface 6. Subsequently, the method comprises the further sub-steps of releasing the micro-filtered water 13c from the washing container 12c on the filtering surface 6 and drying the filtering surface 6 with the air flow generated by the air generator.
  • the method comprises a step of withdrawing the first filter 5 from the filter holder 52 of the structure 1.
  • the step of withdrawing the main filter 5 comprises a sub-step of sending a removal signal to the receiving device used by an operator, not shown in the Figure, via the Wi-Fi signal 20.
  • the step of withdrawing the main filter 5 comprises a sub-step wherein a specialised operator operating at the remote location 39 sends a removal signal, via the transceiver 32, to the command and control unit 10.
  • the main filter 5 is withdrawn by a non-specialist operator on the vessel 2.
  • the step of withdrawing the main filter 5 preferably comprises a further substep wherein the operator places the main filter 5 in a suitable plate 37, preferably a glass Petri dish.
  • the method comprises a further step of tracking the collected sample, which comprises a sub-step of printing a label 36.
  • the command and control unit 10 is in signal communication with a printer 40.
  • the command and control unit 10 is configured to send information to this printer 40 to be printed on the label 36.
  • Said label 36 contains, for example, a barcode or a QR code or an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) code, containing information on the sampling location of the microplastics accumulated on the filtering surface 6.
  • the method comprises a step of storing the first filter 5 on the vessel 2 at room temperature.
  • the method comprises a further step of transporting each main filter 5 with the vessel 2 to a collection structure, not shown in the Figure.
  • the collection structure is located on land.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

Sampling structure (1) for materials suspended in water, applicable to a vessel (2), comprising a suction pump (27) for suctioning water, a first filter (5) to retain microplastics and organic materials, and a container (12) to contain a predigesting solution (13) for the retained organic materials. The structure (1) also comprises a first and second pressure sensor (7, 17) arranged upstream and downstream of the main filter (5) respectively to measure water pressure values, and a command and control unit (10) to measure the water flow rate. The command and control unit is configured to calculate a control parameter as a function of the measured water pressure values and compare it with a predefined parameter to regulate the release of the predigesting solution.

Description

Title: “Sampling structure for materials suspended in water”
DESCRIPTION
Technical Field
The invention develops in the technical field of research regarding the monitoring of materials suspended in water, such as microplastics, in fresh and salt water, according to the preamble of claim 1.
In particular, the invention relates to a sampling structure for materials suspended in water, preferably for semi-automated sampling of microplastics suspended in the surface layers of aquatic environments.
Prior art
Structures and methods for sampling microplastics are known in the prior art.
Prior art structures are for example manta nets dragged by ships or manual pumping systems.
In case a manta net is used, when the ship is in motion, the manta net collects the microplastics in the water through a filter.
The sample thus collected is kept at a low temperature, fixed in alcohol or fixed in formaldehyde so as not to degrade the collected organic part. In case vessels with specialised laboratories and operators are used, the sample is submitted to digestion of the organic part and analysis directly on board. In case there are no specialised laboratories and operators on board, the sample is transported ashore, submitted to digestion of the organic part in the laboratory, and then analysed.
Problem of the prior art
Disadvantageously, the sampling structures and the methods of the prior art need specialised operators capable of carrying out the treatment steps, which require a considerable increase in the costs of the sampling step.
In addition, the sample must be kept at low temperatures or fixed with ethyl alcohol or formaldehyde to stop the decomposition of the organic component and avoid compromising the subsequent processing of the collected sample.
Object of the invention
In this context, the technical problem underlying the present invention is to propose a sampling structure for materials suspended in water, in particular microplastics, that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.
The defined technical problem and the specified purposes are substantially achieved by a sampling structure for materials suspended in water comprising the technical features set forth in one or more of the appended claims.
Advantage of the invention
Advantageously, thanks to the present invention, it is possible to implement a semi-automated sampling structure for materials in water, in particular microplastics, comprising a unit for predigesting the collected organic component.
In particular, the predigestion of the organic component is activated and regulated according to the degree of clogging of a main filter, detected by at least one pressure sensor, which measures the water pressure upstream and downstream of the withdrawn sample.
Furthermore, thanks to the present invention, once the organic matter has been removed, the sample thus collected and prepared, can be kept at room temperature without further treatment.
LIST OF FIGURES
Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the indicative, and thus non-limiting, description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a sampling structure for materials suspended in water, as shown in the accompanying drawing wherein Figure 1 shows the schematic operation of a structure for sampling water, whether seawater or fresh water, according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to a structure 1 for sampling water, whether seawater or freshwater, containing suspended materials, including e.g. microplastics and organic materials, e.g. phytoplankton or zooplankton.
The structure 1 is applicable to a vessel 2, shown in Figure 1.
The vessel 2 on which the structure 1 is applied is any vessel, involved for example in professional fishing, marine research, or the transport of people and/or goods.
The vessel 2 comprises a hull 23 with an inlet 24 configured to introduce a flow of water in a controlled manner into the sampling structure 1.
Preferably, said inlet 24 is a sea cock, installed on the hull 23, below the waterline 2a of the vessel 2. In one embodiment, not shown in the Figure, wherein the vessel 2 is not equipped with a sea cock, the inlet 24 is implemented by installing an off-board sampling pipe on the hull 23 with a draught below the waterline.
In one embodiment, the structure 1 is positioned on the hull 23 at the inlet 24.
In a preferred embodiment, the structure 1 is positioned in an accessible room of the vessel 2, in fluid communication, via a connecting pipe 38, with the inlet 24.
In order to introduce the collected water containing the suspended materials through the connecting pipe, hereinafter referred to as entering water 8, the structure 1 comprises a suction pump 27, e.g., of the volumetric type.
According to one aspect, the water 8 entering the structure 1 comes from a layer of water between 0.5 and 3 metres deep, depending on the size of the vessel and its draught. In greater detail, the suction pump 27 is selected in such a way as to reduce the risk of damaging suspended materials, such as microplastics, introduced into the structure 1.
Downstream of the suction pump 27, the structure 1 comprises a first volumetric counter 28, in fluid communication with the suction pump 27 and configured to measure the entering water flow 8 introduced into the same structure 1.
Due to the presence of the first volumetric counter 28, i.e., a flow meter, the volume of water introduced into the structure 1 is known. This will be useful for the operation of the structure 1 as we will learn later in the description.
The structure 1 comprises a first filter 5, also called main filter 5, configured to filter the water introduced into the structure 1.
The main filter 5 is made of material compatible for spectroscopic analysis, e.g., FTIR or Raman.
The main filter 5 comprises a filtering surface 6, configured to retain microplastics and organic materials contained in the water 8 introduced into the structure 1.
Preferably, the main filter 5 has a diameter of between 20 and 60 millimetres, for example equal to 25 or 47 millimetres.
Preferably, the filtering surface 6 has a porosity of between 0.5 and 30 microns.
It should be noted that structure 1 comprises a filter holder 52 that is configured to keep the main filter 5 stable during water sampling operations.
The structure 1 comprises a second volumetric counter 9 in fluid communication with the suction pump 27 and configured to measure the flow of entering water 8 downstream of the first volumetric counter 28 and upstream of the main filter 5. Moreover, due to the presence of the second volumetric counter 9, i.e., a flow meter, the volume of the water introduced into the main filter 5 is known. This will be useful for the operation of the structure 1 as we will learn later in the description.
The structure 1 comprises a pressure sensor 7 configured to measure pressure values of the water 8 entering within the structure 1, between the inlet 24 and the main filter 5. In the preferred embodiment, the pressure sensor 7 is configured to measure pressure values of the water 8 entering within the structure 1, between the second volumetric counter 9 and the main filter 5.
The structure 1 comprises a command and control unit 10 in signal communication with the pressure sensor 7 and configured to receive pressure values of the entering water 8 from the pressure sensor 7. Preferably, the command and control unit 10 is connected by cable with the pressure sensor 7.
Preferably, the command and control unit 10 is in signal communication with the suction pump 27 and is configured to control switching on or off thereof depending on the operating conditions to which the structure 1 is subjected.
In addition, the command and control unit 10 is configured to compare the pressure values of the entering water 8 with a predefined pressure parameter.
In detail, the predefined pressure parameter is a parameter that is defined by specialised users, e.g., researchers, prior to the commissioning of the structure 1.
It should be noted that the command and control unit 10 is in signal communication with the first volumetric counter 28 and is configured to receive data on the volume of water introduced into the structure 1.
In addition, the command and control unit 10 is in signal communication with the second volumetric counter 9 and is configured to receive data related to the water volume upstream of the main filter 5.
The structure 1 comprises one container 12. The container 12 is configured to contain a predigesting solution 13. Such a predigesting solution 13 is configured to digest the organic material retained by the filtering surface 6 of the main filter 5. The container 12 is in signal communication with the command and control unit 10.
Preferably, the predigesting solution 13 comprises an acidic and/or basic solution.
Preferably, the predigesting solution 13 comprises a base, e.g., NaOH or KOH, and an acid, e.g., HNO3.
In detail, the command and control unit 10 is configured to release the predigesting solution 13 from the container 12 on the filtering surface 6 depending on the comparison between the pressure values of the entering water 8 and the predefined pressure parameter.
In more detail, the command and control unit 10 is configured to command the release of the predigesting solution 13 from the container 12 on the filtering surface 6 when the pressure values of the entering water 8 are greater than the predefined pressure parameter or after a predetermined interval of operating said suction pump 27.
In other words, the command and control unit 10 is configured to command the release of the predigesting solution 13 from the container 12 according to two conditions.
According to a first condition, it is provided that the command and control unit 10 controls the release of the predigesting solution 13 on the filtering surface 6 when the pressure values detected by the first pressure sensor 7 and/or by a second pressure sensor 17 are greater than the predetermined pressure parameter, as detailed in the following description.
If, in use, the detected pressure remains below the predefined pressure parameter during the predetermined interval of operating the suction pump 27, e.g., because the sucked water is particularly clean, i.e., there are few materials suspended in the water, the command and control unit 10 is configured to command the release of the solution according to a second condition. In detail, according to this second condition, the command and control unit 10 is configured to command the release of the predigesting solution 13 from the container 12 on the filtering surface 6 after a predetermined interval of operating the suction pump 27. The operating interval is predetermined, e.g., by a specialised user.
Since the flow rate of the water sucked in by the suction pump 27 is known, it is possible to determine a volume of entering water that is filtered by the main filter 5. In other words, according to the second condition, the flow rate of the suction pump 27 being known, the predigesting solution 13 is released onto the filtering surface 6 after a predetermined operating interval, i.e., after a predetermined volume of entering water has been filtered by the main filter 5.
Then, once the operating time of the suction pump 27 has elapsed without the first condition being fulfilled, the predigesting solution 13 is released according to the second condition.
It should be noted that the structure 1 comprises at least one dosing pump 29 in fluid communication with the container 12 and configured to dose the predigesting solution 13 released onto the filtering surface 6.
In a preferred embodiment, the structure 1 comprises at least two containers 12a, 12b, each configured to contain the respective acidic or basic solution.
In the preferred embodiment, each container 12a, 12b is configured to contain a predigesting solution 13a, 13b. Preferably, the predigesting solution 13a comprises the acidic solution. Preferably, the predigesting solution 13b comprises the basic solution.
In the preferred embodiment, the structure 1 comprises at least two dosing pumps 29a, 29b, each in fluid communication with the respective container 12a, 12b. Preferably, in said preferred embodiment, each dosing pump 29a, 29b is configured to dose the predigesting solution 13a, 13b from the respective container 12a, 12b independently of the other dosing pump 29a, 29b.
In a preferred embodiment, the structure 1 comprises a washing container 12c, configured to contain microfiltered water 13c. In one embodiment, the structure 1 comprises a drinking water microfiltration plant, not shown in the Figure, configured to filter the entering water 8 from the inlet 24 to obtain microfiltered water 13c for final washing of the filtering surface 6.
It should be noted that the command and control unit 10 is in signal communication with the washing container 12c.
The structure 1 comprises a washing pump 29c, in fluid communication with the washing container 12c and configured to dose the microfiltered water 13c released on the filtering surface 6.
In detail, the command and control unit 10 is configured to command the washing pump 29c for the release of microfiltered water 13c from the washing container 12c on the filtering surface 6.
In a preferred embodiment, the structure 1 comprises an air generator 35, configured to generate an air flow capable of drying the filtering surface 6 of the main filter 5 and in signal communication with the command and control unit 10.
In detail, the command and control unit 10 is configured to command the activation of the air generator 35 to release air, preferably hot air, on the filtering surface 6 to dry said filtering surface 6.
The structure 1 comprises an additional pressure sensor 17 downstream of the main filter 5 and configured to measure pressure values of the exiting water 18.
The additional pressure sensor 17 is in signal communication with the command and control unit 10. This command and control unit 10 is configured to receive and transmit the pressure values of the exiting water 18 from the additional pressure sensor 17. Preferably, the additional pressure sensor 17 is in signal communication with the command and control unit 10 via cable.
In particular, the command and control unit 10 is configured to compare the pressure values of the entering water 8 with the pressure values of the exiting water 18.
In addition, the command and control unit 10 is configured to calculate a control parameter as a function of pressure values of the entering water 8 and pressure values of the exiting water 18.
Preferably, the control parameter is calculated as the difference between the pressure values of the exiting water 18 and the pressure values of the entering water 8.
Furthermore, the command and control unit 10 is configured to compare the control parameter with the predefined pressure parameter.
The command and control unit 10 is configured to command the release of the predigesting solution 13 from the container 12 on the filtering surface 6 as a function of the comparison between the control parameter and the predefined pressure parameter.
In one embodiment, if the control parameter is higher than the predefined pressure parameter, the command and control unit 10 is configured to release the predigesting solution 13 on the filtering surface 6.
It should be noted that the structure 1 comprises a second filter 30, e.g., positioned at the inlet 24.
The second filter 30 is configured to filter out foreign material and/or sediment in the water. The second filter 30 thus prevents coarse foreign materials and/or sediment from rapidly accumulating on the filtering surface 6 of the main filter 5.
Preferably, the second filter 30 has a filtering surface having a porosity of between 60 and 80 microns, e.g., of 70 microns.
Preferably, the second filter 30 is a self-cleaning mechanical filter.
Preferably, the second filter 30 is made of stainless steel.
For example, the automatic cleaning of the second filter 30 is programmed by means of pressure controls that may be performed upstream and/or downstream of the second filter 30.
It should be noted that, in the event that large amounts of material and/or sediment are present in the water, the structure 1 comprises a third filter, not shown in the Figure, upstream of the second filter 30, with a porosity of between 300 and 500 microns.
In such a scenario, the third filter is a self-cleaning mechanical filter, it is made of stainless steel, and the automatic cleaning of the third filter is programmed, for example, by means of pressure controls that may be performed upstream and/or downstream of the third filter, i.e., in a similar way as with the second filter 30.
According to one aspect, the vessel 2 comprises a GPS locator 25, which is configured to geolocate the vessel 2 in order to determine the geographical coordinates of each performed sampling.
The GPS locator 25 is in signal communication with the command and control unit 10, which is configured to receive the geographical coordinates of each performed sampling.
The command and control unit 10 comprises a memory unit 26 configured to store the sampling geographical position of each sample through the main filter 5.
The vessel 2 comprises a transceiver 32 configured to receive or send information to or from a remote location 39, relating for example to the management of the sampling process. Preferably, the transceiver 32 is in signal communication with the command and control unit 10. It should be noted that the transceiver 32 is configured to send coordinates related to the sampling positions to be reached. Preferably, the transceiver 32 is one of the following antennas: V-SAT or 4G or 5G or LTE.
Preferably, the command and control unit 10 is configured to send a removal signal to a receiving device, not shown in the Figure, operated by an operator on board the vessel 2. This receiving device is configured to warn an operator that the main filter 5 is to be removed. Preferably, the command and control unit 10 sends the removal signal via Wi-Fi 20.
In one embodiment, the sampling modes are pre-set in the command and control unit 10. In an alternative embodiment, the sampling modes are established in real time by a specialised operator operating at the remote location 39.
Having described the devices forming part of the structure 1, the operation method thereof will now be explained.
As it can be seen from the hereinafter description, the sampling method is of the semi-automatic type which means, in the context of the present invention, that the step of collecting water containing organic material and microplastics and the step of pre-digesting the accumulated organic material on the main filter 5 as well as the steps of filtering the organic material and microplastics from the water are carried out automatically by the devices of the structure 1, while the step of removing the main filter 5 is carried out manually by an operator.
The method comprises a step of providing a vessel 2 provided with a structure 1.
The method comprises a step of predigesting the organic material accumulated on the filtering surface 6 of the main filter 5 of the structure 1.
The step of predigesting the accumulated organic material on the filtering surface 6 of the main filter 5 comprises further sub-steps of releasing the predigesting solution 13 from the container 12 on the filtering surface 6. Subsequently, the method comprises the further sub-steps of releasing the micro-filtered water 13c from the washing container 12c on the filtering surface 6 and drying the filtering surface 6 with the air flow generated by the air generator.
The method comprises a step of withdrawing the first filter 5 from the filter holder 52 of the structure 1.
The step of withdrawing the main filter 5 comprises a sub-step of sending a removal signal to the receiving device used by an operator, not shown in the Figure, via the Wi-Fi signal 20.
Preferably, the step of withdrawing the main filter 5 comprises a sub-step wherein a specialised operator operating at the remote location 39 sends a removal signal, via the transceiver 32, to the command and control unit 10.
Preferably, the main filter 5 is withdrawn by a non-specialist operator on the vessel 2.
The step of withdrawing the main filter 5 preferably comprises a further substep wherein the operator places the main filter 5 in a suitable plate 37, preferably a glass Petri dish.
In addition, the method comprises a further step of tracking the collected sample, which comprises a sub-step of printing a label 36. In detail, the command and control unit 10 is in signal communication with a printer 40. The command and control unit 10 is configured to send information to this printer 40 to be printed on the label 36. Said label 36 contains, for example, a barcode or a QR code or an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) code, containing information on the sampling location of the microplastics accumulated on the filtering surface 6. Next, the method comprises a step of storing the first filter 5 on the vessel 2 at room temperature.
According to one aspect, the method comprises a further step of transporting each main filter 5 with the vessel 2 to a collection structure, not shown in the Figure.
For example, the collection structure is located on land.

Claims

1. Sampling structure (1) for materials suspended in water, said structure being applicable to a vessel (2) and comprising:
- a suction pump (27) for suctioning water,
- a first filter (5) or main filter configured to filter the sucked water, the main filter (5) comprising a filtering surface (6) configured to retain microplastics and organic materials contained in the injected water,
- a container (12) configured to contain a predigesting solution (13) suitable for digesting the organic material (15) retained by the filtering surface (6) of the first filter (5), said container (12) being in fluid communication with said first filter (5) and being configured to release said predigesting solution (13) on the filtering surface (6) of the main filter (5);
- a command and control unit (10) in signal communication with said suction pump (27) for measuring the sucked water flow rate, the command and control unit (10) being configured to command the release of said predigesting solution (13) from the container (12) on the filtering surface (6) at least after a predetermined interval of operating said suction pump (27), characterised in that it comprises
- a first pressure sensor (7) arranged upstream of said main filter (5), said pressure sensor (7) being configured to measure pressure values of the water at the entry (8) to said main filter (5),
- a second pressure sensor (17) arranged downstream of the main filter (5) and configured to measure pressure values of the water exiting (18) from said main filter (5), wherein
- the command and control unit (10) is in signal communication with the first pressure sensor (7) and with the second pressure sensor (17) and it is configured to: - receive the pressure values of the entering water (8) from the first pressure sensor (7) and the pressure values of the water exiting (18) from said main filter (5) from said second pressure sensor (17)
- compare the detected pressure values of the entering water (8) with a predefined pressure parameter;
- command the release of said predigesting solution (13) from the container (12) on the filtering surface (6) when the pressure values of the water entering (8) said first filter (5) are greater than the predefined pressure parameter; said command and control unit (10) being also configured to:
- calculate a control parameter, as a function of the entry pressure values (8) and of the pressure values of the exiting water (18),
- compare the control parameter with the predefined pressure parameter, so as to regulate the release of the predigesting solution (13) from the container (12) on the filtering surface (6) as a function of said comparison between the control parameter and the predefined pressure parameter.
2. Structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first filter (5) is a microplastic filter and the filtering surface (6) has a porosity of between 0.5-30 microns.
3. Structure (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a dosing pump (29) operatively associated with the container (12) and in signal communication with the command and control unit (10), said dosing pump (29) being configured to pump the solution (13) and release it on the surface (6) of the first filter (5).
4. Structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a second filter (30) placed upstream of said first filter (5), said second filter (30) having a filtering surface with a porosity greater than 70 microns.
5. Structure (1) according to claim 1 to 4, comprising a first volumetric counter (28) in fluid communication with said suction pump (27), said suction pump (27) being arranged upstream of said first filter (5) and said first volumetric counter (28) being placed downstream of said suction pump (27) and upstream of said first filter (5).
6. Structure (1) according to claim 4, comprising a second volumetric counter (9) in fluid communication with said suction pump (27), said second counter (9) being in signal communication with the command and control unit (10), said second counter (9) being placed downstream of said first volumetric counter (28) and upstream of said first filter (5).
7. Structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising at least two containers (12a, 12b), each configured to contain a respective acidic or basic solution, each container (12a, 12b) being operatively associated with a respective dosing pump (29).
8. Structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising an air generator (35), in signal communication with the command and control unit (10) and configured to dry the filtering surface (6) of the first filter (5).
9. Vessel (2) comprising a hull (23), a sampling structure (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and an inlet (24) configured to introduce water into the vessel (2) in a controlled manner.
10. Vessel (2) according to claim 9, comprising a GPS locator (25) configured to geolocate said vessel (2), the GPS locator (25) comprising a memory unit (26) configured to store the geographical coordinates of each performed sampling.
11. Semi-automatic sampling method for materials suspended in water comprising the steps of:
- providing a vessel (2) according to any one of claims 9 to 10 provided with a structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
- predigesting organic material on a filtering surface (6) of a first filter (5),
- withdrawing the first filter (5) from the structure (1),
- storing the first filter (5) on said vessel (2) at room temperature.
12. Method according to claim 11, wherein the step of predigesting the organic material collected on the filtering surface (6) of the first filter (5) comprises the sub-steps of:
- releasing the predigesting solution (13) from the container (12) onto the filtering surface (6),
- releasing the microfiltered water (13c) from the washing container (12c) onto the filtering surface (6),
- drying the filtering surface (6) with air.
13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the step of withdrawing the first filter (5) from the structure (1) comprises a sub-step of receiving a withdrawal signal from a remote location (39) to the command and control unit (10) via a transceiver (32) installed on the vessel (2).
14. Method of according to any of claims 11 to 13, comprising a further step of conveying each filter (5) with the vessel (2) to a collection structure.
PCT/IB2023/060102 2022-10-21 2023-10-09 Sampling structure for materials suspended in water WO2024084327A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT202200021843 2022-10-21
IT102022000021843 2022-10-21

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024084327A1 true WO2024084327A1 (en) 2024-04-25

Family

ID=85018244

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2023/060102 WO2024084327A1 (en) 2022-10-21 2023-10-09 Sampling structure for materials suspended in water

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2024084327A1 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109506984A (en) * 2018-09-27 2019-03-22 蔡明红 Micro- plastics sampling column, micro- plastics acquisition device and digestion procedure in situ
US20210215584A1 (en) * 2018-08-16 2021-07-15 Simpore Inc. Devices, methods, and kits for sample analysis using microslit filters
CN113310740B (en) * 2021-04-12 2022-04-29 河海大学 Micro-plastic in-situ collection, separation and digestion device and method

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20210215584A1 (en) * 2018-08-16 2021-07-15 Simpore Inc. Devices, methods, and kits for sample analysis using microslit filters
CN109506984A (en) * 2018-09-27 2019-03-22 蔡明红 Micro- plastics sampling column, micro- plastics acquisition device and digestion procedure in situ
CN113310740B (en) * 2021-04-12 2022-04-29 河海大学 Micro-plastic in-situ collection, separation and digestion device and method

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
FIORE MELANIA ET AL: "Tackling Marine Microplastics Pollution: an Overview of Existing Solutions", WATER, AIR, SPRINGER INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING, CHAM, vol. 233, no. 7, 1 July 2022 (2022-07-01), XP037900801, ISSN: 0049-6979, [retrieved on 20220711], DOI: 10.1007/S11270-022-05715-5 *

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN109406215B (en) Intelligent acquisition device and acquisition method for water body environment DNA
EP2010901B1 (en) The ultra filtration system for on-line analyzer
US20110035195A1 (en) On-line performance management of membrane separation process
CN101509843B (en) Sampling system for water filtrated by unattended shipborne multichannel film
JP5094035B2 (en) Plankton distribution survey system
JPH11503065A (en) Filtration monitoring and control system
EP3652532A1 (en) Off-line bypass loop arrangement for a water recycling device
US10976228B2 (en) Extraction of materials from liquids
KR101772814B1 (en) Integrated Control and Monitoring System for Fish Farms Building using Thermal Effluent from Power Plant
CN109782725A (en) Sewage managing and control system based on monitoring water quality on line index
CN109506984A (en) Micro- plastics sampling column, micro- plastics acquisition device and digestion procedure in situ
WO2009026919A2 (en) On-site liquid production
CA2711805A1 (en) A mobile concentration system and method for milk
WO2024084327A1 (en) Sampling structure for materials suspended in water
CN101592568A (en) Sailing multi-channel membrane filtration suspended particle sampling system
JP6484572B2 (en) Filtration collection device
CN102648404A (en) Display of a system state of a treatment device for microscopic samples
KR100871478B1 (en) Automated water sampler
CA3194173A1 (en) Analysis system and management system, analysis method, and analysis program
CN207066818U (en) Can self-cleaning nutrients in sea water pre-filtering preparation system
WO2022080480A1 (en) Microplastic recovery device and microplastic recovery system
CN211504788U (en) Quantitative concentration control system for ship ballast water
JP2022066029A (en) Sampling device and sampling system
CN215768579U (en) Oil pipeline moisture detection system
US20200217840A1 (en) Apparatus and method for remote capture of a genetic snapshot of an aqueous body

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 23798512

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1