GAS FLOW AND HEAT TRANSFER APPARATUS

Abstract

An apparatus arranged to hold at least one vessel. The apparatus includes a frame defining a gas flow pathway and having at least one aperture configured to receive a vessel. The apparatus also includes a device for directing a gas flow along the gas flow pathway, such that when a vessel is located in the aperture, the vessel is positioned at least partially in the gas flow pathway such that heat is transferred between the gas flow and the vessel.

Claims

1. An apparatus arranged to hold at least one vessel, the apparatus comprising: a frame defining a gas flow pathway therethrough and comprising at least one aperture configured to receive a vessel; and a device for directing a gas flow along the gas flow pathway such that when a vessel is located in the aperture, the vessel is positioned at least partially in the gas flow pathway such that heat is transferred between the gas flow and the vessel.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one aperture is circular.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of apertures arranged such that heat is transferred between the gas flow and any number of vessels received by corresponding apertures of the plurality of apertures.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a cover arranged to cover the at least one aperture.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cover comprises at least one opening corresponding to the at least one aperture, wherein the opening is arranged to receive a vessel therethrough to be received by the at least one aperture.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the apparatus comprises a cover comprising a plurality of openings arranged to cover the plurality of apertures, wherein each opening of the plurality of openings corresponds to a respective aperture of the plurality of apertures, wherein each opening is arranged to receive a vessel therethrough to be received by the respective aperture.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one opening is arranged to substantially close when the at least one opening does not receive a vessel therethrough and is arranged to substantially seal around the vessel when the at least one opening receives a vessel therethrough.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cover is arranged to deform when a force is applied to the at least one opening.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a top portion and a side portion arranged to support the top portion, wherein the top portion comprises the at least one aperture configured to receive a vessel; and wherein the frame comprises a rack positioned within the gas flow pathway and arranged to receive at least one vessel.

10. (canceled)

11. An apparatus arranged to hold at least one vessel, the apparatus comprising: a frame defining a gas flow pathway therethrough and comprising at least one rack configured to receive at least one vessel; and a device for directing a gas flow along the gas flow pathway such that when a vessel is located within the rack, the vessel is positioned at least partially in the gas flow pathway such that heat is transferred between the gas flow and the vessel.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame is a hollow prism; and wherein the frame comprises an entrance for the gas flow and an exit for the gas flow, wherein the gas flow pathway is formed between the entrance for the gas flow and the exit for the gas flow.

13. (canceled)

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame comprises: a first portion comprising a tunnel comprising one or more openings, wherein the tunnel at least partially defines the gas flow pathway; and a second portion comprises comprising an exit for the gas flow, wherein the one or more openings in the tunnel are arranged to direct the gas flow into the second portion.

15. (canceled)

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device for directing the gas flow along the gas flow pathway is arranged to generate the gas flow.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a device for generating the gas flow.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the device for generating the gas flow comprises a fan, and wherein the fan is arranged to be controlled to control the speed of the fan.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the device for generating a gas flow comprises a pump, and wherein the pump is arranged to be controlled to control the pumping speed of the pump.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises one or both of: a heating element arranged to heat the gas flow; and a cooling element arranged to cool the gas flow; wherein the heating element is arranged to be controlled to control the temperature of the gas flow and the cooling element is arranged to be controlled to control the temperature of the gas flow.

21. (canceled)

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, comprising a heating and/or cooling element arranged to heat and/or cool the gas flow, and a control system arranged to control one or both of the device for generating the gas flow to control a gas flow rate of the gas flow and the heating and/or cooling element to control a temperature of the gas flow.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the control system comprises one or both of a gas flow rate sensor arranged to measure a gas flow rate of the gas flow and a temperature sensor arranged to measure a temperature of the gas flow.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the control system comprises a processor arranged to receive one or more measurements from the one or both sensors and arranged to output one or more control signals to one or both of the device for generating the gas flow and the heating and/or cooling element based on the one or more measurements from the one or more sensors.

25-28. (canceled)

Description

[0122] Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0123] FIGS. 1 and 2 show schematic views of the apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0124] FIG. 3 is an isolated schematic view of the frame of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0125] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a feedback system that is used with the apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0126] FIG. 5 is a flow chart for the feedback system shown in FIG. 4;

[0127] FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus in accordance within an embodiment of the present invention;

[0128] FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0129] FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] Embodiments will now be described in relation to the Figures which are arranged to transfer heat between a gas flow and a vial e.g. to thaw a substance contained within a vial by exposing the vial to a gas flow.

[0131] FIGS. 1 and 2 shows a schematic views of the apparatus 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 1 may be arranged to thaw and/or maintain at a constant temperature reactants contained within one or more vials. As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus 1 comprises a frame 2 and an air flow generator 4.

[0132] The air flow generator 4 is arranged to both generate an air flow and direct this generated air flow into the frame 2. The air flow generator 4 generates air flow using a fan (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). The fan rotates in order to generate an air flow.

[0133] The air flow generator 4 may comprise a heating element (not shown in FIG. 1). The heating element is arranged to transfer heat to the generated air flow and therefore alter the temperature of the air flow. The fan and the heating element will be discussed in more detail in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0134] In order to power the fan and the heating element, the air flow generator 4 includes a battery (not shown). However, in some embodiments the air flow generator 4 may be connected to a mains power supply which supplies power to the fan and the heating element. The air flow generator 4 also comprises a power switch 8, as shown in FIG. 1. When the power switch 8 is ‘on’, power is supplied from the battery to the fan and to the heating element.

[0135] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the air flow generator 4 includes a heating switch 10 and an air flow rate controller 12. The heating switch 10 is arranged to connect (and disconnect) the heating element to the power source (e.g. battery). The air flow rate controller 12 is a dial which can be adjusted by the user to alter the rate of air flow delivered by the fan. The air flow controller 12 is thus arranged to control operation of the fan.

[0136] The frame 2 is a hollow cuboid which defines an air flow pathway and is shown in more detail in FIGS. 2 and 3. The frame 2 comprises various apertures and openings.

[0137] As can be seen from FIGS. 1 to 3, the top portion of the frame 2 comprises a plurality of apertures 6. These apertures 6 are configured such that a vial can be inserted into each of them. In FIG. 3, a vial 7 is shown inserted into one of the plurality of apertures 6 such that it is contained predominately within the frame 2 and is exposed to the air flow through the frame 2.

[0138] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame also comprises a plurality of covers 3 corresponding the plurality of apertures 6. Each of the covers 3 contains a slit 5. Each of the slits 5 in formed from two perpendicular cuttings which form a cross over the corresponding aperture. A vial can be inserted through a cover 3 via the slit 5 such that it is held by the apertures.

[0139] When a vial is inserted into an aperture 6, the vial is exposed to the air flow in the air flow pathway. Whilst in FIGS. 1 to 3 all the apertures are circular and the same size (e.g. have identical diameters), in embodiments not shown the apertures could have various shapes and sizes.

[0140] As can be seen in FIG. 3, showing the frame 2 in isolation, the frame 2 comprises an entrance 16 for air flow in one of its faces. The frame 2 also comprises an exit 14 for air flow in another of its faces. The exit 14 is formed from three lateral rectangular openings in a face of the frame 2 (see FIG. 2). The exit 14 and entrance 16 are formed in opposite end faces of the frame 2, thus forming a linear air flow pathway through the frame.

[0141] In the arrangement shown in FIG. 3, a single cover 9 is arranged to provide a seal over the plurality of apertures 6. The cover 9 includes a plurality of slits 5 formed from two perpendicular cuttings in the cover 9. Each of the plurality of slits 5 has a corresponding position to one of the plurality of apertures 6.

[0142] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a feedback control system to be used with the apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1-3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the frame 2 is shown to further comprise a temperature sensor 22 and an air flow rate sensor 24. The sensors 22, 24 are located inside the frame 2, and therefore are contacted by the gas flow through the frame 2. The temperature sensor is arranged to measure the temperature of the air flow. The air flow rate sensor 24 is arranged to measure the flow rate of the air flow.

[0143] In embodiments not shown, the frame may comprise different and/or additional sensors, e.g. a humidity sensor.

[0144] The sensors 22, 24 shown in FIG. 4 are connected to a processor 18. The sensors provide an input to the processor 18 based on the measurements they make. The processor 18 is also connected to the fan 26 and the heating element 28 in the air flow generator. The processor is arranged to control the fan 26 and the heating element 28 as will be discussed in more detail in relation to FIG. 5.

[0145] FIG. 4 also shows the processor 18 connected to (e.g. forming part of) a computer system 32 (e.g. a laptop) and a screen 30. It will be appreciated that the processor 18 may be located on, and thus forming an integral part of, the (e.g. frame of the) apparatus 1. Either or both of the computer system 32 and the screen 30 could be omitted in other embodiments of the invention.

[0146] Operation of the apparatus will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 1-4 and the flow diagram of FIG. 5.

[0147] The air flow generator 4 is arranged to direct the generated air flow through the entrance 16 in the frame 2 into the air flow pathway formed by the frame 2. The fan 26 rotates to generate the air flow. The fan 26 is arranged such that the air flow is directed towards the entrance 16 of the frame 2.

[0148] The heating element 28 is positioned within the air flow generator 4 such that the air flow (generated by the fan 26) contacts the heating element 28 before entering the frame 2. The heating element 28 transfer heat to the air of the air flow, so that the temperature of the air is increased. In certain embodiments, the heating element 28 may be positioned such that it heats the air before it enters the fan 26 and the air flow is produced.

[0149] After entering the frame 2, the air flow then propagates through the air flow pathway (i.e. the interior of the hollow frame 2 until it passes through the exit 14 in the frame 2. The heated air flow through the frame 2 transfers heat to a vial in the frame 2, and helps to prevent a pocket of air from forming around the vial. This helps to or heat the contents of the vial. (It will be appreciated that an air flow that is not heated could still be used to heat (e.g. thaw) a vial, owing to it being warmer than the vial and/or by helping to prevent a pocket of air forming around the vial. Likewise an air flow that is (e.g. cooled to be) cooler than a vial may be used to cool the contents of a vial)

[0150] Operation of the feedback system shown in FIG. 4 will now be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the feedback system formed by the apparatus shown in FIG. 4.

[0151] When an airflow is generated within the frame 2 (i.e. along the air flow pathway) by the air flow generator 4 as described above, the sensors 22, 24 are arranged to measure a variable property associated with the air flow (step 102). The temperature sensor 22 is arranged to measure the temperature within the frame 2 (i.e. the temperature of the air flow) and the air flow rate sensor 24 is arranged to determine the speed of the air flow through the frame 2. Both the temperature of the air flow and the rate of air flow will affect the rate of heat transfer to or from vials held by the apertures 6.

[0152] In step 104, the measurements obtained by the sensors 22, 24 are received by the processor 18. These measurements may be displayed on the screen 30. This may allow a user to observe any changes in the temperature and gas flow rate within the frame 2.

[0153] In step 106, the processor compares the measurements obtained by the sensors to reference values. For example, it may be desirable to maintain a constant temperature of gas flow in the frame 2 (e.g. in order to maintain reactants in vials at a constant temperature). The reference temperature in this example would be the desired constant temperature. The reference values may have been input by a user, for example using the computer system 32.

[0154] The processor then determines whether either of the measurements from the sensors 22, 24 deviate from the corresponding reference value (step 108). Depending the accuracy required, there may be an allowable threshold of deviation between the measurement and the reference value.

[0155] If neither of the measurements from the sensors 22, 24 deviates from its reference value by more than the allowable threshold, the processor does not output a signal to the air flow generator 4. The process then returns to step 102 and the process is repeated. The process shown in the flow chart may not be repeated until a period of time, e.g. 30 seconds, has elapsed (since the previous measurement was obtained by the sensors). Alternatively the measurement may be captured and compared to the reference values continuously.

[0156] If either (or both) of the measurements from the sensors 22, 24 deviates from its reference value by more than the allowable threshold, the processor 18 outputs a control signal to the gas flow generator 4 (step 110). The control signal may act to control either (or both of) the fan 26 and the heating element 28.

[0157] The temperature of the gas flow is altered by changing the current through the heating element 28. For example, should the temperature of the air flow be too low, the processor 18 may output a control signal which increases the current through the heating element 28 (and therefore the temperature of the heating element 28).

[0158] The air flow rates is altered by changing the rotation speed of the fan 26. For example, should the speed of the air flow be too slow, the processor 26 may output a control signal which increases the speed of rotation of the fan 26.

[0159] Overall, the control signal alters the variable properties of air flow in the frame (step 112). The process then returns to step 102 and is repeated. The process shown in the flow chart may not be repeated until a period of time, e.g. 30 seconds, has elapsed (from the previous test). Repeating the test may allow for the desired values of the variable properties of the gas flow to be reached without overshooting the desired value.

[0160] The apparatus 1 also comprises heating switch 10 and an air flow rate controller 12 that allow the conditions within the frame 2 to be altered manually (e.g. by a user).

[0161] The heating switch 10 allows the user to choose whether power is supplied from the power supply to the heating element 28 to heat the gas flow (i.e. when the heating switch 10 is in its ‘on’ configuration) or power is not supplied to the heating element 28 such that the gas flow is not heated (i.e. when the heating switch 10 is in its ‘off’ configuration). It will be appreciated that the heating element could be controlled by a dial rather than a switch to allow the air flow to be heated by varying amounts.

[0162] The air flow rate controller 12 is a dial which can be rotated to alter the air flow rate by changing the rotation speed of the fan 26. For example, when the air flow rate controller 12 is rotated in one direction, the rotation speed of the fan 26 is increased and therefore the rate of air flow is increased. When the air flow rate controller 12 is rotated in the other direction, the rotation speed of the fan 26 is decreased and therefore the rate of air flow is decreased.

[0163] The heating element 28 and the fan 26 can be controlled separately, e.g. by the user. For example, air flow may generated by the fan 26 (i.e. the fan 26 is supplied with power from the battery) without the air flow being heated by the heating element 28 (when the heating switch 10 is in its ‘off’ configuration).

[0164] FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 show schematic cross-sectional views through apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention. The components of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6, 7 or 8 may be incorporated into the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0165] FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through an apparatus 41 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Similarly to the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus 41 comprises a frame 42 and an air flow generator 44. Vials 47 are shown inserted into apertures in the frame 42. The air flow generator 44 and a heating element (not shown) generate a heated air flow 43 which is directed into the frame and come into contact with the vials 47. For example, the air flow 43 may transfer heat to the vials 47 to increase the temperature of the vials 47 and therefore the contents of the vials 47.

[0166] It will be noted that the arrangement shown in FIG. 6 may result in a temperature gradient in the air flow over the length of the frame 42, as the air flow 43 becomes cooled as it propagates along the length of the tunnel owing to transferring heat to the vials 47. This may lead to vials 47a closer to the air flow generator 44 receiving a greater heat transfer than those vials 47b further from the air flow generator 44.

[0167] FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through an apparatus 51 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Similarly to the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, the apparatus 51 comprises a frame 52 and an air flow generator 54. Vials 57 are also shown inserted into apertures in the frame 52. However, the apparatus 51 additionally comprises a tunnel 59, below the apertures in the frame 52, and which includes a number of openings 55. In FIG. 7, the openings 55 are evenly spaced along the length of the tunnel 59, such that the openings 55 are below and aligned with the apertures in the frame 52.

[0168] The air flow generator 54 generates an air flow 53 that is directed into the tunnel 59 (rather than directly into the main body of the frame, as shown in FIG. 6). The air flow 53 propagates along the tunnel 59. Portions of the air flow 53 exit the tunnel 59 through the openings 55 in the tunnel 59 and transfer heat to the vials 57. Providing a tunnel 59 with a number of opening 55 helps to provide a more even distribution of the air flow 53 from the air flow generator 54 throughout the frame 52, leading to a more constant temperature over the length of the frame 52 and a more even heat transfer to vials 47 over the length of the frame 52.

[0169] FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through an apparatus 61 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Similarly to FIG. 7, the apparatus 61 comprises a frame 62, an air flow generator 64 and a tunnel 69 with a number of openings 65. Additionally, the apparatus 61 comprises a tray 68 positioned within the frame 62 above the tunnel 69. The tray 68 supports a number of Petri dishes 70. Similar to the vials shown in FIG. 6, the Petri dishes 70 are heated by heat transfer from the air flow 63 generated by the air flow generator 64 and which passes through the openings 65 to be directed to the Petri dishes 70 on the tray 68. The frame 62 may also include a (e.g. hinged) door 72, to allow the tray 68 and the Petri dishes 70 to be removed (and re-inserted).

[0170] It can be seen from the above that in at least preferred embodiments, the present invention provides an apparatus for transferring heat to or away from a vessel by providing a gas flow. Providing a gas flow helps to prevent a pocket of gas from forming around a vessel, which may affect the temperature and/or decrease the rate of change of temperature of the contents of the vessel. This may allow for greater control over the rate of cooling or heating of the contents of the vessel, and for example, may provide a less labour intensive and increasingly automated alternative to conventional processes for thawing substances.