Improved fluid mixing device

Abstract: An improved fluid mixing device comprising a mixing chamber (34) having end walls and a cylindrical side wall. A first fluid conduit (30) joins the mixing chamber at a first port formed in the first end. A second fluid conduit (50) joins the mixing chamber at a second port (58) formed in the side wall. A second fluid conduit is angled with respect to the mixing chamber to direct fluid flow from the conduit through the second port generally along the wall of the mixing chamber to create a rapid vortexing action. A third conduit (52) joins the mixing chamber at a third port in the second end. A fourth conduit (62) intersects the third conduit, the center lines of the third and fourth conduits offset at the area of intersection.

Description: The present invention relates to the field of fluid handling devices and more particularly to an improved fluid mixing device. Still more particularly the fluid mixing device may be adapted for use in mixing liquids used in automated clinical chemistry analyzers. GB-A-2 0969 911 describes an atomizer including a first mixer stage which has a cylindrical fluid mixing sonic cavitation chamber provided with a first fluid inlet to direct fluid, e.g. a gas, within the chamber along the longitudinal axis of the chamber and a second fluid inlet tangentially positioned to intersect the chamber in order to create a fluid vortex within the chamber. A deflector plate is provided in proximity to the first fluid inlet to direct a portion of the longitudinal flow into the vortex flow of the second fluid, e.g. a liquid. The atomizer so described is intended for use in feeding combustion chambers with combustible fluids. US-A-3 867 195 proposes a syrup production device wherein sugar crystals are dropped into a vortex of water formed by rapid supply of water through a water inlet arranged tangentially to a cylindrical vertically disposed mixing chamber. The vortex entrains the sugar crystals to form a syrup which is removed through a bottom outlet ejector to a storage or further treatment area. The apparatus described provides for return of some of the syrup from the storage/treatment area through the outlet conduit via a re-circulation conduit. A common requirement in fluid handling systems is the mixing of two fluid flows to form a third fluid flow. For example, automated clinical chemistry analyzers frequently require two fluid flows to be mixed together to form a third fluid flow that is then analyzed. A first fluid may be, for example, a patient sample such as serum, plasma, urine or spinal fluid (CSF). The second fluid may be a buffer which, when combined with the first fluid, controls primarily the pH, ionic strength and surfactant properties of the resulting mixture. One such system requiring the combination of two fluid flows is the SYNCHRON CX®3 automated clinical chemistry analyzer which is commercially available from Beckman Instruments, Inc. (Brea, California 92621). In this system, a probe carrying the patient sample is aligned above a sample injection cell. The probe is lowered into the cell with the tip of the probe coming to rest within a mixing chamber. The sample is pumped from the probe into the mixing chamber while a buffer solution is pumped through a separate conduit into the mixing chamber. The resulting mixture flows from the mixing chamber through an exit conduit to an electrolyte measuring flow cell to measure sodium, potassium, chloride and CO₂. An essentially identical system is disclosed in U.S. Patent Number US-A-4,888,998, which is incorporated herein by reference. A cutaway side view of the mixing chamber in such commercially available system is illustrated in Figure 5. As seen with reference to Figure 5, a mixing chamber 100 includes a vertical conduit 108 which is adapted to receive a probe 102 having a tip 104. A conduit 106 is "T"-ed into the side of and is perpendicular to the conduit 108. The conduit 106 is connected to a source of buffer which is to mix with sample ejected through the probe tip 104. An exit conduit 110 forms a right angle with the conduit 108 to draw the combined sample and buffer from the mixing chamber 100. Unfortunately, the "T" configuration of the prior art system may impede mixing of the sample and buffer for several reasons. As the sample flow from the tip 104 meets the buffer flow from the conduit 106, the flows may simply combine without mixing, resulting in laminar, separate flows within the conduits 108 and 110. The degree of laminar, separate flow is influenced by the vertical position of the tip 104 within the conduit 108, thus making the system sensitive to routine changes in probe tip position that occur, for example, due to normal wear and tear and routine replacement of the probe 102. Further, an air bubble may be trapped directly below the tip 104 within the flow of sample from the tip 104. Such an air bubble vibrates rapidly within the conduit 108, resulting in pulses or bursts of sample within the flow of buffer. Also, air trapped above the conduit 106, while not causing pulses or bursts in the combined flow, does gradually break up, flowing to the flow cell where such disbursed air can collect, adversely affecting measurements. One result of these limitations and drawbacks may be inconsistent electrolyte measurements and adversely affected average precision. Thus, there is a need for improved fluid mixing to improve and stabilize the performance of the measurement system. The improved fluid mixing device of the present invention overcomes the limitations noted in the prior device. The improved fluid mixing device may be formed directly in the sample injection cell and, more particularly, may replace the mixing chamber found in the prior art sample injection cell. In accordance with the present invention, the improved fluid mixing device includes a mixing chamber having a cylindrical side wall, end walls and a major axis parallel to and coaxial with the cylindrical side wall. A first fluid conduit joins the mixing chamber at a first fluid port formed in one of the end walls. A second fluid conduit joins the mixing chamber at a second fluid port, the second port being formed in the cylindrical side wall. The second fluid conduit and second fluid port are offset with respect to the major axis to direct a fluid flow from the second conduit through the second port generally along the side wall and around the major axis of the mixing chamber, creating a swirling action within the mixing chamber. A third fluid conduit joins the mixing chamber at a third port in the other end and serves as an exit conduit for the fluids mixed in the mixing chamber. In the embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, the mixing chamber may form a first stage of a mixing device or configuration. A second stage includes positioning the third port off-center in the second end and generally aligning the third fluid conduit with the major axis. Yet a third stage of the mixing device or configuration disclosed herein may include a fourth conduit intersecting the third conduit. Center lines of the third and fourth conduits are offset and do not intersect. In overall effect, the improved fluid mixing device of the present invention thoroughly and completely mixes the two streams of inlet fluids. When used in the sample injection cell of the automated clinical chemistry system described above, the improved mixing results in more consistent performance and better average precision in the measurement of electrolytes. Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is an overall exterior view of a sample injection cell including an improved mixing device or configuration in accordance with the present invention as well as a sample probe. Figure 2 is an enlarged partial cross-section view of the improved fluid mixing configuration of the injection cell of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a partial cross-section view taken along line 3 - 3 of Figure 2 with the probe removed for clarity. Figure 4 is a partial cross-section view taken along line 4 - 4 of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a partial cross-section view of a mixing chamber of a prior-art sample injection cell. Detailed Description With reference to Figure 1, a sample injection cell 10 may include an improved fluid mixing device or configuration 12 in accordance with the present invention. The sample injection cell 10 is generally a vertical cylinder and may be formed from cast acrylic. The cell 10 includes an upper portion 14 and a lower portion 16. The upper portion 14 includes an open end 18 and tapered surfaces 20 leading to a vertical central cylindrical bore 22. A horizontal conduit 24 leads to and is in communication with the bore 22. The lower portion 16 includes the mixing configuration 12 more particularly described with reference to Figures 2 - 4 below. The upper and lower portions 14 and 16 are joined by, for example, screws 26 (only one of which is shown in Figure 1). A sample probe assembly 28 includes a fluid carrying conduit 30 which may be attached via a hose 32 to pumps, for example, for aspirating sample from sample containers (not shown) and discharging the aspirated sample into the cell 10. The probe assembly 28 includes an arm 33 connected to a probe assembly positioning device, all of which is well-known in the art. The probe assembly 28 and cell 10, but for the mixing configuration 12 of the present invention, may be as used in the prior art commercially available SYNCHRON CX®3 Clinical System described above and is otherwise well-known in the art. Turning now to the improved fluid mixing device or configuration 12 as seen in Figure 2, the configuration 12 includes a mixing chamber 34 having a cylindrical side wall 36 and upper and lower ends 38, 40, respectively. The cylindrical wall 36 of the mixing chamber 34 includes a major central coaxial axis 37. The axis 37 is inclined slightly with respect to vertical and, in the embodiment disclosed herein, is inclined approximately 8.5 degrees. The end 40 is perpendicular to the axis 37 and the upper end 38 is angled slightly from the axis 37 to be generally horizontal (as seen in Figure 2). Particularly, the upper end 38 is angled about 81.5 degrees from the axis, bringing the end 38 to its generally horizontal position as just described. A slightly enlarged bore 42 immediately above the end 38 receives and supports a rigid washer 44. A second slightly enlarged bore 46 immediately above the bore 42 receives and holds a quad ring 48. The quad ring 48 is retained within the bore 46 by clamping pressure applied via the upper portion 14. The quad rind 48 provides a seal between the upper portion 14 and lower portion 16 and, as is described below, provides a seal between the removable probe conduit 30 and the mixing configuration 12. The probe conduit 30 may be considered a first fluid conduit when the probe is positioned as shown in Figure 2 with the probe seated against the quad ring 48. The probe conduit 30 or first fluid conduit enters the mixing chamber 34 through the upper end 38 and is angled, in the embodiment disclosed herein, approximately 8.5 degrees with respect to the major axis 37. A second fluid conduit 50 (Figures 1 to 3) is in communication with the mixing chamber 34. The second fluid conduit 50 narrows to include a reduced portion 56 proximate the mixing chamber 34 and enters the mixing chamber 34 via a port 58. The conduit 50 including the reduced portion 56 is offset with respect to the axis 37 and enters the mixing chamber 34 off-center as illustrated in Figure 3 such that fluid flow through the port 58 is directly substantially around the axis 37 and along the cylindrical wall 36. A third fluid conduit 52 exits mixing chamber 34 through the lower end 40 via a port 60. A center line of the conduit 52 is generally parallel to the axis 37 of the mixing chamber 34. A fourth fluid conduit 62 is in communication with the lower end of the fluid conduit 52. The center line of the conduit 62, as seen in Figure 4, is offset with respect to the center line of the conduit 52 and is slightly displaced such that the center line of the conduit 62 falls substantially at the periphery or is tangential with respect to the wall of the conduit 52. The conduits 52 and 62 are joined at an intersection identified generally at 64. A drain conduit 66 (Figures 1 to 3) is also in communication with the mixing chamber 34 at a port 68. The drain conduit 66 is offset with respect to the axis 37 and is generally horizontal as seen in Figure 2. The port 68 is located near the upper end 38 to help reduce the amount of air that may otherwise become trapped at the top of the mixing chamber 34. In operation (Figures 1 - 4), the probe assembly 28 is inserted into the cell 10 with probe tip 70 coming to rest within the mixing chamber 34. A tapered surface 72 formed on the outside of the conduit 30 and proximate the tip 70 is urged against the quad ring 48, sealing the tip 70 within the mixing chamber 34. Fluid sample, which may be in the form of liquid patient serum, is held within the probe conduit 30. The conduit 50 is connected to a source of fluid, such as liquid buffer as described above. With the probe tip 70 positioned within the mixing chamber 34, pumping means (not shown) are operated to eject the serum sample from the probe conduit 30 into the mixing chamber. Simultaneously, pumping means pumps diluent or buffer via the fluid conduit 50 through the port 58 into the mixing chamber 34. Advantageously, the stream formed by the buffer entering the mixing chamber 34 creates a rapid fluid vortexing action about the axis 37 within the chamber 34. Interference by the probe conduit 30 in the flow from the conduit 50 and port 58 prevent a coherent vortex or cyclone from forming within the mixing chamber 34, introducing turbulence into the vortex to help prevent the sample from becoming trapped within the center of the vortex. Gas bubbles which generally collect between the port 58 and the rigid washer 44 are immediately swept away by this rapid vortexing fluid action within the mixing chamber 34. As seen in Figure 2, the probe conduit 30, which may also be considered as a first fluid conduit, is generally vertical and is thus angled slightly (in the embodiment disclosed, about 8.5 degrees) with respect to the axis 37. The angle difference directs the fluid flow from the conduit 30 toward the lower bottom corner of the mixing chamber 34 and into the rapidly circulating or spinning wall or side of the fluid vortex created within the mixing chamber 34. The fluid flow from the conduit 30 is not injected into the center of the vortex created within the mixing chamber 34 where it might otherwise become entrapped, decreasing the mixing action. The result is a thorough and rapid mixing of the two fluids within the mixing chamber 34. The fluids continue their vortexing action, and are forced through the port 60 into the fluid conduit 52. At the interface formed by the port 60 between the mixing chamber 34 and the conduit 52, further turbulence is created. The port 60 in effect slices off the advancing rapidly vortexing fluid within the mixing chamber 34. This slicing, rotation-inducing action creates further mixing and in turn creates a vortexing or rotational fluid action or movement within the conduit 52. At the intersection 64, the rotating column of fluid moving through the fluid conduit 52 is again subject to not only a change in direction but a further change in rotation, the advancing fluid creating yet another rotational or vortexing action within the conduit 62. Stated somewhat differently, the mixing configuration 12 may be considered as including three distinct mixing stages. The first stage comprises the mixing chamber 34 in which the rapid vortexing and injection action between first and second fluid flows is created. The second stage includes the port 60 which "slices" this rapidly rotating fluid mass as the mass advances from the mixing chamber 34 into the fluid conduit 52. The intersection 64 and the conduit 62 form yet a third mixing stage, with the change in direction of the fluid mass as well as the creation of yet another vortexing or rotational effect within the conduit 62 yet further enhancing the mixing action of the configuration 12. Once sample injection and mixing is completed as just described the probe 30 may be raised slightly, wash fluid introduced via the conduit 24 with the drain conduit 66 operating to aspirate or drain the wash fluid from the sample cell 10. The present invention provides significant improvements over the prior-art system described in the Background. The placement of the port 58 near the upper end 38 and flow of fluid from port 58 parallel to the upper end 38 substantially reduces the volume of air that could be trapped with the mixing chamber 34. The rapid vortexing action created within the chamber 34 rapidly and completely sweeps any trapped air from the chamber 34. This action passes entrapped air through the electrolyte measuring flow cell before measurements are made and eliminates air that might otherwise become trapped in the flow from the conduit 30, leading to bursts or pulses of sample entrained within the buffer flow. Further, the rapid vortexing action within the chamber 34, as well as the mixing occurring at the port 60 and intersection 64 eliminates laminar flow otherwise present in the prior-art system. The mixing distance of the prior-art system in Figure 5, that is, the linear length of the fluid travel within the conduits 108, 110 through which mixing may occur before the fluid leaves the cell is effectively many times multiplied by the vortexing, sectioning and rotational actions created by the mixing configuration 12. Thus, the mixing device or configuration 12 of the present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art, providing rapid, sure, effective mixing without substantial increased costs or external parts. It is to be recognized that modifications to the present invention are possible to accommodate varying liquid viscosities and flow rates. For example, the flow rate of fluid from the port 58 may be affected by the diameter of the reduced portion 56 and the speed at which fluid rotates within the mixing chamber can be altered by the amount by which the port 58 is offset from the axis 37. Further, the conduit 30 and end 70 may be replaced by a conduit entering the mixing chamber 34 through a port formed in the end 38. In such an instance, such a port and conduit should direct the fluid flow into the fluid wall or side of the spinning fluid vortex to accomplish rapid, thorough mixing. Such modifications and others may be developed through routine experimentation where high "shutter" speed video recording may be used to assist in the evaluation of such modifications.

Claims: A fluid mixing device comprising: a mixing chamber (34) having opposing end walls (38, 40), a generally cylindrical side wall (36), and an axis (37) coaxial with the cylindrical side wall; means for receiving a first fluid conduit (30) in the mixing chamber at a first fluid port, the first fluid port being in one of the end walls (38) wherein the first conduit is angled with respect to the mixing chamber axis; and including a second fluid conduit (50) joining the mixing chamber at a second fluid port formed in the cylindrical side wall, the second fluid conduit directing a fluid flow from the second conduit through the second port into the mixing chamber to thereby create a swirling action as fluid is injected into the mixing chamber from the second conduit; and a third fluid conduit (52) joining the mixing chamber at a third port (60) at the opposite end wall (40). A fluid mixing device comprising: a mixing chamber (34) having opposing end walls (38, 40), a generally cylindrical side wall (36), and an axis coaxial with the cylindrical side wall; means for receiving a first fluid conduit (30) in the mixing chamber at a first fluid port, the first fluid port being in one of the end walls and being for permitting fluid to flow into the chamber; a second fluid conduit (50) joining the mixing chamber at a second fluid port formed in the cylindrical side wall wherein the second fluid conduit is offset with respect to the mixing chamber to direct a fluid flow from the second conduit through the second port non-tangentially between the side wall and the axis of the mixing chamber and around the mixing chamber axis to thereby create a swirling action as fluid is injected into the mixing chamber from the second conduit; and including a third fluid conduit (52) joining the mixing chamber at a third port (60) at the opposite end wall. A fluid mixing device, comprising: a mixing chamber (34) having opposing end walls (38, 40), a generally cylindrical side wall (36), and an axis (37) coaxial with the cylindrical side wall; means for receiving a first fluid conduit (30) in one end wall, the first fluid conduit having a first fluid port; a second fluid conduit (50) joining the mixing chamber at a second fluid port, and the second fluid conduit acting to direct a fluid flow from the second conduit into the mixing chamber to thereby create a swirling action as fluid is injected into the mixing chamber from the second conduit; a third fluid conduit (52) joining the mixing chamber at a third port (60) at the opposite end wall (40); and a fourth conduit (62) intersecting the third conduit, and wherein an axis through the third conduit and an axis through the fourth conduits are relatively offset. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the third conduit (52) is generally parallel to the mixing chamber axis. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the third port (60) is offset with respect to the axis through the mixing chamber. A device as claimed in either claim 1 or 2 including a fourth conduit (62) intersecting the third conduit, an axis of the third conduit and an axis of the fourth conduit being relatively offset. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the first conduit includes an extending portion that extends into the mixing chamber and the first port (70) is at an end of the extending portion. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the first conduit is angled with respect to the mixing chamber axis to direct fluid from the first conduit toward the side wall (36). A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the second conduit is offset at less than a tangent with respect to the mixing chamber to direct a fluid flow from the second conduit through the second port partially toward an internally extended portion of the first fluid conduit to thereby create a turbulent swirling action. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 including means (42, 44, 46, 48) for receiving a probe tip in one end wall (38) of the mixing chamber, the probe tip including the first fluid port; and wherein the second fluid conduit is located with respect to the mixing chamber so that the probe tip, when located in the wall, is at least level with the second fluid conduit. A device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the probe tip is below the second conduit. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the mixing chamber is free of any rotating mechanical mixing means. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the third port (60) is in the opposite end wall (40).

Inventors: BLOUGH WILLIAM M JR, KEEGAN JACK JAMES, BLOUGH, WILLIAM M., JR., KEEGAN, JACK JAMES
Applicants: BECKMAN INSTRUMENTS INC, BECKMAN INSTRUMENTS, INC.
Application year: 1991
Main classification: B01F5
IPC codes: G01N35, G01N1, B01F5, B01F3