WO2008107865A2 - Detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid - Google Patents

Detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008107865A2
WO2008107865A2 PCT/IL2007/000273 IL2007000273W WO2008107865A2 WO 2008107865 A2 WO2008107865 A2 WO 2008107865A2 IL 2007000273 W IL2007000273 W IL 2007000273W WO 2008107865 A2 WO2008107865 A2 WO 2008107865A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
contaminants
analyte
fluid
liquid
air
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Application number
PCT/IL2007/000273
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2008107865A3 (en
Inventor
Alex Keinan
Original Assignee
Bas Ltd.
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bas Ltd. filed Critical Bas Ltd.
Priority to PCT/IL2007/000273 priority Critical patent/WO2008107865A2/en
Publication of WO2008107865A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008107865A2/en
Publication of WO2008107865A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008107865A3/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
    • G01N33/50—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing
    • G01N33/53—Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor
    • G01N33/569—Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor for microorganisms, e.g. protozoa, bacteria, viruses
    • G01N33/56911—Bacteria
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D47/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases, air or vapours by liquid as separating agent
    • B01D47/02—Separating dispersed particles from gases, air or vapours by liquid as separating agent by passing the gas or air or vapour over or through a liquid bath
    • B01D47/021—Separating dispersed particles from gases, air or vapours by liquid as separating agent by passing the gas or air or vapour over or through a liquid bath by bubbling the gas through a liquid bath
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D47/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases, air or vapours by liquid as separating agent
    • B01D47/06—Spray cleaning
    • 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
    • G01N1/22—Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state
    • G01N1/2202—Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state involving separation of sample components during sampling
    • G01N1/2211—Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state involving separation of sample components during sampling with cyclones
    • 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
    • G01N1/22—Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state
    • G01N1/2202—Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state involving separation of sample components during sampling
    • G01N1/2214—Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state involving separation of sample components during sampling by sorption
    • G01N2001/2217—Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state involving separation of sample components during sampling by sorption using a liquid
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/0004—Gaseous mixtures, e.g. polluted air

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a means and method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid. More specifically the invention relates to the detection and identification of contaminants in the air
  • US Patent 4,459,266 which suggests a light, easy to use system for the testing of compressed gases used in respiration.
  • US Patent 6,583,726 describes an early warning and containment system to be fitted into the duct work providing ventilation for a building. This system detects contaminants present in the air flowing through optical detectors capable of detecting either biological or chemical agents and shuts down the flow upon their detection. However, concentration of contaminants in gas is low making their detection problematic. A system which increases the concentration of the contaminants in the analysed sample could improve detection methods.
  • It is thus one object of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid comprising a collection means by which an analyte sample is collected; a capturing means by which any contaminants within the analyte are isolated and an identification means by which the contaminants are identified.
  • the collection means comprises a cyclonic collection unit comprising at least one aerosol injection jet, which delivers fine liquid droplets into a stream of gas, to which contaminants in the gas become attached; at least one cyclonic separator, into which said gas and droplets is drawn and in which a vortex is formed separating the gas from suspended water droplets, and at least one collection reservoir, where said separated water droplets collect to form a concentrated analyte.
  • the identification means comprises a plurality of detection systems selected from inter alia immunological detection kits based upon antigenic recognition, optical sensors, NMR sensors, chemical detection means or any combination thereof, which are used to analyse fluid samples, concentrated analytes or attachment platforms so as to detect contaminants contained therein.
  • It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid comprising a collecting an analyte sample; isolating any contaminants within said analyte and identifying said contaminants.
  • a plurality of detection systems selected from inter alia immunological detection kits based upon antigenic recognition, optical sensors, NMR sensors, chemical detection means or any combination thereof, which are used to analyse fluid samples, concentrated analytes or attachment platforms and thereby detecting contaminants contained therein.
  • FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of a system for detection of contaminants in a fluid according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a simplified illustration of a mixer collection unit for use in a detector of contaminants in a fluid according to another embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a simplified illustration of a biological trap for use in a detector of contaminants in a fluid, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 4 is a simplified illustration of a laser detection unit for use in a detector of contaminants in a fluid, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 5 is a simplified illustration of a cyclonic collection unit, according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6 is a simplified illustration of a system for detection of contaminants in a fluid according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • 'analyte' refers hereinafter to any substance undergoing analysis.
  • 'contaminant' refers hereinafter to any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance not normally present or found at unusually high concentrations.
  • 'cyclonic collection unit' refers hereinafter to a unit adapted to the collection of an analyte particularly through the use of cyclonic separation.
  • the term 'identification unit' refers hereinafter to a unit adapted to the analysis of the analyte and the identification of contaminants contained within it.
  • 'aerosol injection jet' refers hereinafter to a nozzle adapted to deliver particles or droplets to a gas stream of sufficiently small dimensions that said particles are suspended in the gas stream.
  • vortex' refers hereinafter to a flow of fluid about an axis, particularly turbulent flow.
  • 'cyclonic separator' refers hereinafter to a device designed to remove particles from a stream of gas by creating a high speed rotating air-flow within a conical container forcing particulate matter to the outside wall. As the rotating air-flow moves towards the narrow end of the conical container the forces steadily increase enabling the separation of increasingly fine particles.
  • the term 'collection reservoir' refers hereinafter to the liquids that gather in a receptacle situated at the bottom of the cyclonic separator. These liquids are forced to the walls by the forces produced by the rotating air-flow of the vortex.
  • 'detection kit' refers hereinafter to a kit designed to detect the presence of contaminants present in a sample.
  • 'NMR' refers hereinafter to nuclear magnetic resonance measurements, particularly where used to identify molecular structure.
  • 'expiry date' refers hereinafter to the date after which the use of a detection kit is not recommended by the manufacturer of the kit or any other regulating body. It is according to one embodiment of the present invention to present a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid comprising a collection means by which an analyte sample is collected; a capturing means by which any contaminants within said analyte are isolated and an identification means by which said contaminants are identified.
  • Contaminants might include biological agents, such as bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms; substances, such as carbon monoxide, sulphurous oxides, or other industrial by-products including greenhouse gases; or physical agents, such as natural radon gas or other radioactive elements. It is noted that detection of such contaminants in air is useful in industrial, environmental and defence contexts, including as prevention of terror attacks.
  • the system can be ran either in a continuous or a sampling mode.
  • continuous mode the cyclonic collection unit (and/or mixer unit) collects gases continually whilst the identification unit periodically analyses the collected analyte.
  • sampling mode the collection unit collects gases for a limited period and the collected analyte for that period is analysed.
  • the collection means comprises a cyclonic collection unit comprising at least one aerosol injection jet, which delivers fine liquid droplets into a stream of gas, to which contaminants in the gas become attached; at least one cyclonic separator, into which said gas and droplets is drawn and in which a vortex is formed separating the gas from suspended water droplets, and at least one collection reservoir, where said separated water droplets collect to form a concentrated analyte.
  • the rate of influx of gases into the cyclonic separator can be determined by the parameters of its air pump such as it's the number of rotations its rotor performs per minute. Other factors affecting the influx rate are the dimensions of the opening of the cyclonic separator itself.
  • the capturing means comprises a filtration and separation means which can distinguish between different contaminants by properties selected from inter alia their size, density, particle consistency, weight, resonant frequency, colour, saturation point, boiling or melting point or any other physical, chemical or biological property or combination thereof, for example an acoustic separator. It is another embodiment of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid, wherein the capturing means comprises a specific diagnostic unit, through which the analyte is introduced a plurality of times, and which comprises specific immunological detection kits adapted to detect targeted contaminants such as microorganisms.
  • the capturing means comprises a biological trap comprising a plurality of attachment platforms upon which antibodies for specific biological agents are affixed and a means of bringing the analyte into sufficient proximity with said platforms that biological agents carried by the analyte become attached to said antibodies.
  • liquid analyte enters the specific diagnostic unit through a plastic or glass tube. Samples can flow through the unit either in series along the same tube or in parallel through multiple channels. It is noted that electronic signals may be transmitted upon detection of a target contaminant which could trigger some alarm for example an audio or visual indication.
  • the identification means comprises a plurality of detection systems selected from inter alia immunological detection kits based upon antigenic recognition, optical sensors, NMR sensors, chemical detection means or any combination thereof, which are used to analyse fluid samples, concentrated analytes or attachment platforms so as to detect contaminants contained therein.
  • It is another embodiment of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid comprising a collecting an analyte sample; isolating any contaminants within said analyte and identifying said contaminants.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a system for detection of contaminants in a fluid according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Air is pimped to a mixer 2 and to a cyclonic collection unit 1.
  • Unit 1 includes two cyclonic separators, and is connected to a liquid tank 7, which contains water or other collection fluid suitable for the attachment of contaminants.
  • Liquid analyte thus collected in unit 1 passes through a flow sensor 3 and a filter 4 into a separator 5.
  • additional solutions 6 may be introduced by a controller 19 so as to facilitate separation.
  • the analyte then passes into the capturing means 10, before being transferred to a biological trap 12, where biological agents contained in the analyte are attached to antibodies.
  • the analyte continues to a flow distributor 16, where it is mixed with additional liquids introduced from a tank 8.
  • the level of liquid in tank 8 is controlled by a sensor 9.
  • the analyte is filtered by a filter separator 14, before being recycled by controller 19.
  • the attached biological agents are analysed by a laser detector 15 and a general detector 17, which deliver a signal to an output interface 18, such as a light, siren, video display unit or other such indicator.
  • a store 11 of traps contains a number of reserve biological traps and may exchange the biological traps by means of an automatic container 13.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a mixer collection unit for use in a detector of contaminants in a fluid, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Gas enters the unit through a nozzle 201 and passes into an immersion tube 202 leading into a reservoir 203 that contains water or other collection fluid suitable for the attachment of contaminants.
  • Gas passes through reservoir 203 into a cylindrical jacket 204 that surrounds immersion tube 202.
  • drops of the collection fluid are caught by a helical drip guard 205 running the length of jacket 204. These drops fall back to reservoir 203 where they are collected. Samples of this liquid are tapped by an analysis unit 207, and pass through the capture and identification units of the detector before being recycled into the reservoir.
  • FIG. 3 illustrate examples of biological traps for use in a detector of contaminants in a fluid, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the analyte enters the trap through an inlet nozzle 301, and passes through a number of parallel tubes 302.
  • Each tube 302 is lined with antibodies to which biological agents, carried by the analyte, attach themselves before exiting through outlets 303.
  • An optical assembly may be provided that includes a laser 406 driven by a driver 402, one or more lenses 407, 409 and 414, one or more collimators 408 and 410, at least one photosensor 416 used with an amplifier 417, an optical shield 413, and an optical filter 415.
  • a slide 412 may contain a sample taken from material that was trapped in a biological trap 405. The slide 412 may be imaged using the optical assembly. The slide 412 may be moved by a stepper motor 404, controlled by a motion controlling unit 403, such that the laser beam scans the whole length of the slide.
  • the detected beam which has passed through the slide is detected using the photosensor 416.
  • the amplified signal from photosensor 416 and amplifier 417 is transmitted to a controller 401, which provides an output to some unit such as a computer 420, alarm 421 or display 419.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a cyclonic collection unit, according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Air carrying suspended aerosol droplets enters the unit from an inlet 502 and passes into a primary cyclonic separator 501, in which a vortex is formed which forces the droplets to the sidewalls.
  • the droplets may be collected in a primary reservoir 503.
  • the air flows from primary cyclonic separator 501 through a connecting pipe 505 into a secondary cyclonic separator 511, in which further droplets are separated out and collected in a secondary collection reservoir 513, before the air flows out through an outlet 512.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates a system for detection of contaminants in a fluid according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the system includes a level tank 601, in which the liquid level is generally constant, a liquid tank 602, in which the liquid required for operating the system is stored over the long time, a cyclone 606, mixer 605, cooling unit 604, air ducts 603 and 611, nozzle 607, liquid pumps 609.1, 609.2 and 609.3, air pump 608 and internal and external air compressors 610 and 612.
  • the liquid pump 609.1 pumps liquid from level tank 601 to nozzle 607, while at the same time air pump 608 compresses air to nozzle 607, thereby creating a liquid mist.
  • External air compressor 612 draws air to cyclone 606, which separates liquid particles from the air flow.
  • the drier air exits via air duct 611.
  • the liquid particles from the air flow join the liquid mist at the entrance to cyclone 606.
  • the liquid that accumulates at the bottom of cyclone 606 is pumped by pump 609.2 to mixer 605, in which a small amount of liquid is found.
  • Internal air compressor 610 forces external air into mixer 605.
  • Pump 609.3 pumps fluid from mixer 605 to the biological detector and back to level tank 601. The whole cycle is thus a controlled, closed loop cycle.
  • Bound antibodies were detected using an anti rabbit IgG antibody linked to Horseradish-peroxidase and an ECLTM (Enzyme Linked Chemiluminescent) Western Blotting System (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech).
  • ECLTM Enzyme Linked Chemiluminescent
  • the maximum light emission is at a wavelength of 428nm which can be detected by a short exposure to blue-light sensitive autoradiography film Black dots on the negative clearly showed that antibodies were bound to the glass surface of the slide in distinct dot aria.
  • the present detection method does not show dependency on the concentration of the antibody because the signal is saturated even for the lowest concentration of Antibody (40 ⁇ g/ml).
  • ECL (enzyme linked chemiluminescent) based immuno-detection is designed for the detection of minute amounts of antibodies. In order to see concentration dependence of antibody binding, a lower range of antibody concentrations should be studied.
  • This modification allows different conjugation strategies, such as using silanization protocol to functionalize the glass surface with thiol groups and subsequent ional antibody binding through bifunctional crosslinker 6-Maleimidohexanoic acid N- hydroxysuccinimide ester (SPDP).
  • silanization protocol to functionalize the glass surface with thiol groups
  • subsequent ional antibody binding through bifunctional crosslinker 6-Maleimidohexanoic acid N- hydroxysuccinimide ester (SPDP).
  • Bacteria were grown overnight and resuspended in PBS to about 10 9 cells per ml.
  • a 40 ⁇ l antibody solution (1 mg/ml) or control solution (1 mg/ml BSA) was deposited on pieces of CMT-GAP II Slides (Corning, NY) slides and allowed to dry overnight. Both slides were first blocked by PBS buffer/low fat milk for 30 min and then washed by PBS buffer. Both slides were incubated for 15 min with shaking in 10 9 cells/ml bacteria suspension and afterwards rinsed 3 times with PBS buffer.
  • An 8 ⁇ l fixing solution was added on the treated glass aria (20% glycerol, 0.4 mM Sodium Azide) and coverslips were placed on the fixed preparate and the slides were sealed with lake.
  • an ultra-thin detector cuvettes were built by the following procedure. Slides were cut into 18 mm wide strips and were coated with anti-S. aureus antibody (40 ⁇ l of 1 mg/ml antibody solution) or with control solution (40 ⁇ l of 1 mg/ml BSA solution). After incubation with the antibody, the slides were blocked with 3% milk and then washed by PBS. Cuvettes were assembled by inserting 2 mm thick coverslips on both sides as spacers, with both antibody coated sides facing inwards.
  • the ultra-thin cuvette was created to increase the sensitivity of the system. In functional conditions the system will work in the continuous mode. In the case of high bacteria content in the air, the relatively high turbidity of the solution may mask the signal of bound bacteria. At a path length of 1 cm a 10 8 bacteria per ml will cause absorption of 0.2 OD units, while a single layer of bacteria bound to a glass slide will absorb less. In the cuvette with a small thickness the bound bacteria would be masked with a less degree.
  • both control and antibody cuvette Initially, after the first load of bacteria, to both control and antibody cuvette, the spectra should be identical, since both cuvettes contain the same amount of bacteria relative to the bacteria concentration in the fed bacterial suspension.
  • the ultra-thin cuvette design avoids the problem of high turbidity in the solution, even at 10 9 bacteria per ml the signal from the solution remains low and does not mask the signal obtained from the bound bacteria to the slide surface. This means that even a very low signal of bound bacteria can be optically detected as the difference between control and antibody containing cuvette.
  • Suitable connections may be made that split the flow through both cuvettes (experimental and control), and provide double optical detection and electronic analysis for the detection of differences in absorption.

Abstract

A detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid comprising a collection means by which an analyte sample is collected; a capturing means by which any contaminants within the analyte are isolated and an identification means by which the contaminants are identified.

Description

DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF CONTAMINANTS IN A FLUID FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a means and method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid. More specifically the invention relates to the detection and identification of contaminants in the air
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a number of known methods by which contaminants in the air may be detected and identified. In some a sample of the air is collected and analysed in some manner such as through chromatography, light absorption or any other analytical method. Detection in such cases depends on the presence of the contaminant in the analysed sample and an efficient delivery of the sample to the analysis. For example, US Patent 4,904,987 describes a system designed to sample air by means of drawing a known volume of air through a collecting device at regular intervals and then to test this sample. An alarm sounds if air flow drops below a threshold level.
In most such systems, analysis is performed upon the gas itself, such as US Patent 4,459,266 which suggests a light, easy to use system for the testing of compressed gases used in respiration. Similarly US Patent 6,583,726 describes an early warning and containment system to be fitted into the duct work providing ventilation for a building. This system detects contaminants present in the air flowing through optical detectors capable of detecting either biological or chemical agents and shuts down the flow upon their detection. However, concentration of contaminants in gas is low making their detection problematic. A system which increases the concentration of the contaminants in the analysed sample could improve detection methods.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is thus one object of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid comprising a collection means by which an analyte sample is collected; a capturing means by which any contaminants within the analyte are isolated and an identification means by which the contaminants are identified.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid wherein the collection means comprises a cyclonic collection unit comprising at least one aerosol injection jet, which delivers fine liquid droplets into a stream of gas, to which contaminants in the gas become attached; at least one cyclonic separator, into which said gas and droplets is drawn and in which a vortex is formed separating the gas from suspended water droplets, and at least one collection reservoir, where said separated water droplets collect to form a concentrated analyte.
It is a further object of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid wherein the capturing means comprises a filtration and separation means which can distinguish between different contaminants by properties selected from inter alia their size, density, particle consistency, weight, resonant frequency, colour, saturation point, boiling or melting point or any other physical, chemical or biological property or combination thereof, for example an acoustic separator.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid, wherein the capturing means comprises a specific diagnostic unit, through which the analyte is introduced a plurality of times, and which comprises specific immunological detection kits adapted to detect targeted contaminants such as microorganisms.
It is a further object of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid wherein the capturing means comprises a biological trap comprising a plurality of attachment platforms upon which antibodies for specific biological agents are affixed and a means of bringing the analyte into sufficient proximity with said platforms that biological agents carried by the analyte become attached to said antibodies.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid wherein the identification means comprises a plurality of detection systems selected from inter alia immunological detection kits based upon antigenic recognition, optical sensors, NMR sensors, chemical detection means or any combination thereof, which are used to analyse fluid samples, concentrated analytes or attachment platforms so as to detect contaminants contained therein.
It is a further object of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid additionally comprising a maintenance unit which automatically replaces diagnostic kits which have exceeded their expiry dates or notifies operators that said kits should be replace.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid adapted for the online analysis of contaminants in a liquid wherein a sample of the liquid is introduced directly into the identification means. It is a further object of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid adapted for the continuous monitoring of a fluid additionally comprising a analyte recycling means by which the concentrated analyte is reintroduced into the stream of monitored fluid enabling the concentration of contaminants within the analyte to increase with each cycle until the contaminant is detected.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid comprising a collecting an analyte sample; isolating any contaminants within said analyte and identifying said contaminants.
It is a further object of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid by providing at least one aerosol injection jet; delivering fine liquid droplets into a stream of gas, to which contaminants in the gas become attached; providing at least one cyclonic separator; drawing said gas and droplets into said cyclonic separator; creating a vortex within said cyclonic separator thereby separating the gas from suspended water droplets; and collecting said separated water droplets in at least one collection reservoir to form a concentrated analyte.
It is a further object of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid by isolating contaminants through providing a filtration and separation means; distinguishing between different contaminants by properties selected from inter alia their size, density, particle consistency, weight, resonant frequency, colour, saturation point, boiling or melting point or any other physical, chemical or biological property or combination thereof, for example an acoustic separator.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid by isolating contaminants through providing specific immunological detection kits, adapted to detect targeted contaminants such as microorganisms; and introducing the analyte into said unit a plurality of times.
It is a further object of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid by providing a biological trap comprising a plurality of attachment platforms upon which antibodies for specific biological agents are affixed; and bringing the analyte into sufficient proximity with said platforms that biological agents carried by the analyte become attached to said antibodies.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid by providing a plurality of detection systems selected from inter alia immunological detection kits based upon antigenic recognition, optical sensors, NMR sensors, chemical detection means or any combination thereof, which are used to analyse fluid samples, concentrated analytes or attachment platforms and thereby detecting contaminants contained therein.
It is a further object of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid by additionally providing a maintenance unit which automatically replaces diagnostic kits which have exceeded their expiry dates or otherwise notifying the operator that said kits should be replace.
It is still another object of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid adapted for the online analysis of contaminants in a liquid by introducing a sample of the liquid directly into the identification means.
It is a last object of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid adapted for the continuous monitoring of a fluid by additionally reintroducing the concentrated analyte into the stream of monitored fluid and so enabling the concentration of contaminants within the analyte to increase with each cycle until the contaminant is detected.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be implemented in practice, few preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:
Fig. 1 is a simplified illustration of a system for detection of contaminants in a fluid according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a simplified illustration of a mixer collection unit for use in a detector of contaminants in a fluid according to another embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a simplified illustration of a biological trap for use in a detector of contaminants in a fluid, according to another embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a simplified illustration of a laser detection unit for use in a detector of contaminants in a fluid, according to another embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 5 is a simplified illustration of a cyclonic collection unit, according to still another embodiment of the present invention; and
Fig. 6 is a simplified illustration of a system for detection of contaminants in a fluid according to another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a means and method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid.
The term 'analyte' refers hereinafter to any substance undergoing analysis.
The term 'plurality' refers hereinafter to any whole number greater than or equal to one.
The term 'contaminant' refers hereinafter to any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance not normally present or found at unusually high concentrations.
The term 'cyclonic collection unit' refers hereinafter to a unit adapted to the collection of an analyte particularly through the use of cyclonic separation.
The term 'identification unit' refers hereinafter to a unit adapted to the analysis of the analyte and the identification of contaminants contained within it.
The term 'aerosol injection jet' refers hereinafter to a nozzle adapted to deliver particles or droplets to a gas stream of sufficiently small dimensions that said particles are suspended in the gas stream.
The term 'vortex' refers hereinafter to a flow of fluid about an axis, particularly turbulent flow.
The term 'cyclonic separator' refers hereinafter to a device designed to remove particles from a stream of gas by creating a high speed rotating air-flow within a conical container forcing particulate matter to the outside wall. As the rotating air-flow moves towards the narrow end of the conical container the forces steadily increase enabling the separation of increasingly fine particles.
The term 'collection reservoir' refers hereinafter to the liquids that gather in a receptacle situated at the bottom of the cyclonic separator. These liquids are forced to the walls by the forces produced by the rotating air-flow of the vortex.
The term 'detection kit' refers hereinafter to a kit designed to detect the presence of contaminants present in a sample.
The term 'NMR' refers hereinafter to nuclear magnetic resonance measurements, particularly where used to identify molecular structure.
The term 'expiry date' refers hereinafter to the date after which the use of a detection kit is not recommended by the manufacturer of the kit or any other regulating body. It is according to one embodiment of the present invention to present a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid comprising a collection means by which an analyte sample is collected; a capturing means by which any contaminants within said analyte are isolated and an identification means by which said contaminants are identified.
Contaminants might include biological agents, such as bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms; substances, such as carbon monoxide, sulphurous oxides, or other industrial by-products including greenhouse gases; or physical agents, such as natural radon gas or other radioactive elements. It is noted that detection of such contaminants in air is useful in industrial, environmental and defence contexts, including as prevention of terror attacks.
It is further acknowledged that the system can be ran either in a continuous or a sampling mode. In continuous mode, the cyclonic collection unit (and/or mixer unit) collects gases continually whilst the identification unit periodically analyses the collected analyte. In sampling mode the collection unit collects gases for a limited period and the collected analyte for that period is analysed.
It is another embodiment of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid wherein the collection means comprises a cyclonic collection unit comprising at least one aerosol injection jet, which delivers fine liquid droplets into a stream of gas, to which contaminants in the gas become attached; at least one cyclonic separator, into which said gas and droplets is drawn and in which a vortex is formed separating the gas from suspended water droplets, and at least one collection reservoir, where said separated water droplets collect to form a concentrated analyte.
It is noted in this regard that the rate of influx of gases into the cyclonic separator can be determined by the parameters of its air pump such as it's the number of rotations its rotor performs per minute. Other factors affecting the influx rate are the dimensions of the opening of the cyclonic separator itself.
It is a further embodiment of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid wherein the capturing means comprises a filtration and separation means which can distinguish between different contaminants by properties selected from inter alia their size, density, particle consistency, weight, resonant frequency, colour, saturation point, boiling or melting point or any other physical, chemical or biological property or combination thereof, for example an acoustic separator. It is another embodiment of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid, wherein the capturing means comprises a specific diagnostic unit, through which the analyte is introduced a plurality of times, and which comprises specific immunological detection kits adapted to detect targeted contaminants such as microorganisms.
It is a further embodiment of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid wherein the capturing means comprises a biological trap comprising a plurality of attachment platforms upon which antibodies for specific biological agents are affixed and a means of bringing the analyte into sufficient proximity with said platforms that biological agents carried by the analyte become attached to said antibodies.
In a preferred embodiment the liquid analyte enters the specific diagnostic unit through a plastic or glass tube. Samples can flow through the unit either in series along the same tube or in parallel through multiple channels. It is noted that electronic signals may be transmitted upon detection of a target contaminant which could trigger some alarm for example an audio or visual indication.
It is another embodiment of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid wherein the identification means comprises a plurality of detection systems selected from inter alia immunological detection kits based upon antigenic recognition, optical sensors, NMR sensors, chemical detection means or any combination thereof, which are used to analyse fluid samples, concentrated analytes or attachment platforms so as to detect contaminants contained therein.
It is a further embodiment of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid additionally comprising a maintenance unit which automatically replaces diagnostic kits which have exceeded their expiry dates or notifies operators that said kits should be replace.
It is another embodiment of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid adapted for the online analysis of contaminants in a liquid wherein a sample of the liquid is introduced directly into the identification means.
It is a further embodiment of the present invention to disclose a detector of the presence of contaminants in a fluid adapted for the continuous monitoring of a fluid additionally comprising a analyte recycling means by which the concentrated analyte is reintroduced into the stream of monitored fluid enabling the concentration of contaminants within the analyte to increase with each cycle until the contaminant is detected.
It is another embodiment of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid comprising a collecting an analyte sample; isolating any contaminants within said analyte and identifying said contaminants.
It is a further embodiment of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid by providing at least one aerosol injection jet; delivering fine liquid droplets into a stream of gas, to which contaminants in the gas become attached; providing at least one cyclonic separator; drawing said gas and droplets into said cyclonic separator; creating a vortex within said cyclonic separator thereby separating the gas from suspended water droplets; and collecting said separated water droplets in at least one collection reservoir to form a concentrated analyte.
It is a further embodiment of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid by isolating contaminants through providing a filtration and separation means; distinguishing between different contaminants by properties selected from inter alia their size, density, particle consistency, weight, resonant frequency, colour, saturation point, boiling or melting point or any other physical, chemical or biological property or combination thereof, for example an acoustic separator.
It is another embodiment of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid by isolating contaminants through providing specific immunological detection kits, adapted to detect targeted contaminants such as microorganisms; and introducing the analyte into said unit a plurality of times.
It is a further embodiment of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid by providing a biological trap comprising a plurality of attachment platforms upon which antibodies for specific biological agents are affixed; and bringing the analyte into sufficient proximity with said platforms that biological agents carried by the analyte become attached to said antibodies.
It is another embodiment of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid by providing a plurality of detection systems selected from inter alia immunological detection kits based upon antigenic recognition, optical sensors, NMR sensors, chemical detection means or any combination thereof, which are used to analyse fluid samples, concentrated analytes or attachment platforms and thereby detecting contaminants contained therein. It is a further embodiment of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid by additionally providing a maintenance unit which automatically replaces diagnostic kits which have exceeded their expiry dates or otherwise notifying the operator that said kits should be replace.
It is still another embodiment of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid adapted for the online analysis of contaminants in a liquid by introducing a sample of the liquid directly into the identification means.
It is a last embodiment of the present invention to disclose a method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid adapted for the continuous monitoring of a fluid by additionally reintroducing the concentrated analyte into the stream of monitored fluid and so enabling the concentration of contaminants within the analyte to increase with each cycle until the contaminant is detected.
Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which illustrates a system for detection of contaminants in a fluid according to an embodiment of the present invention. Air is pimped to a mixer 2 and to a cyclonic collection unit 1. Unit 1 includes two cyclonic separators, and is connected to a liquid tank 7, which contains water or other collection fluid suitable for the attachment of contaminants. Liquid analyte thus collected in unit 1 passes through a flow sensor 3 and a filter 4 into a separator 5. During this initial stage, additional solutions 6 may be introduced by a controller 19 so as to facilitate separation. The analyte then passes into the capturing means 10, before being transferred to a biological trap 12, where biological agents contained in the analyte are attached to antibodies. The analyte continues to a flow distributor 16, where it is mixed with additional liquids introduced from a tank 8. The level of liquid in tank 8 is controlled by a sensor 9. The analyte is filtered by a filter separator 14, before being recycled by controller 19. The attached biological agents are analysed by a laser detector 15 and a general detector 17, which deliver a signal to an output interface 18, such as a light, siren, video display unit or other such indicator. A store 11 of traps contains a number of reserve biological traps and may exchange the biological traps by means of an automatic container 13.
Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which illustrates a mixer collection unit for use in a detector of contaminants in a fluid, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Gas enters the unit through a nozzle 201 and passes into an immersion tube 202 leading into a reservoir 203 that contains water or other collection fluid suitable for the attachment of contaminants. Gas passes through reservoir 203 into a cylindrical jacket 204 that surrounds immersion tube 202. As gas passes through jacket 204 into the side wall venting units 206, drops of the collection fluid are caught by a helical drip guard 205 running the length of jacket 204. These drops fall back to reservoir 203 where they are collected. Samples of this liquid are tapped by an analysis unit 207, and pass through the capture and identification units of the detector before being recycled into the reservoir.
Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which illustrate examples of biological traps for use in a detector of contaminants in a fluid, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The analyte enters the trap through an inlet nozzle 301, and passes through a number of parallel tubes 302. Each tube 302 is lined with antibodies to which biological agents, carried by the analyte, attach themselves before exiting through outlets 303.
Reference is now made to Fig. 4, which illustrates an example of a laser detection unit for use in a detector of contaminants in a fluid, according to another embodiment of the present invention. An optical assembly may be provided that includes a laser 406 driven by a driver 402, one or more lenses 407, 409 and 414, one or more collimators 408 and 410, at least one photosensor 416 used with an amplifier 417, an optical shield 413, and an optical filter 415. A slide 412 may contain a sample taken from material that was trapped in a biological trap 405. The slide 412 may be imaged using the optical assembly. The slide 412 may be moved by a stepper motor 404, controlled by a motion controlling unit 403, such that the laser beam scans the whole length of the slide. The detected beam which has passed through the slide is detected using the photosensor 416. The amplified signal from photosensor 416 and amplifier 417 is transmitted to a controller 401, which provides an output to some unit such as a computer 420, alarm 421 or display 419.
Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which illustrates a cyclonic collection unit, according to still another embodiment of the present invention. Air carrying suspended aerosol droplets enters the unit from an inlet 502 and passes into a primary cyclonic separator 501, in which a vortex is formed which forces the droplets to the sidewalls. The droplets may be collected in a primary reservoir 503. The air flows from primary cyclonic separator 501 through a connecting pipe 505 into a secondary cyclonic separator 511, in which further droplets are separated out and collected in a secondary collection reservoir 513, before the air flows out through an outlet 512.
Reference is now made to Fig. 6, which illustrates a system for detection of contaminants in a fluid according to another embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a level tank 601, in which the liquid level is generally constant, a liquid tank 602, in which the liquid required for operating the system is stored over the long time, a cyclone 606, mixer 605, cooling unit 604, air ducts 603 and 611, nozzle 607, liquid pumps 609.1, 609.2 and 609.3, air pump 608 and internal and external air compressors 610 and 612.
The liquid pump 609.1 pumps liquid from level tank 601 to nozzle 607, while at the same time air pump 608 compresses air to nozzle 607, thereby creating a liquid mist. External air compressor 612 draws air to cyclone 606, which separates liquid particles from the air flow. The drier air exits via air duct 611. The liquid particles from the air flow join the liquid mist at the entrance to cyclone 606. The liquid that accumulates at the bottom of cyclone 606 is pumped by pump 609.2 to mixer 605, in which a small amount of liquid is found. Internal air compressor 610 forces external air into mixer 605. Pump 609.3 pumps fluid from mixer 605 to the biological detector and back to level tank 601. The whole cycle is thus a controlled, closed loop cycle.
Excess air from mixer 605 exits via air duct 603 to cooling unit 604, in which vapors condense from the air. The condensate flows back to level tank 601. The system ensures a long operating life for the working liquid for the biodetector. The liquid tank 602 captures and stores any liquid that may have "escaped" the rest of the system.
Results of viability tests
A. Demonstration Of Antibody Binding To Functionalized Glass Slides
The ability of antibodies to bind to a glass surface is demonstrated in the following example based on electrostatic interactions between negatively charged carboxyl groups on antibodies and positively charged amino groups on the glass surface of aminosilane-coated slides.
Rabbit anti E. coli and rabbit anti S. aureus antibodies, at three separate concentrations (0.04, 0.1 and 0.5 mg/ml), were bound to the glass slides. BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin) was used as a negative control for the detection of specific antibody binding. About 1 μl of each solution was spotted on Corning GAP II slides and left overnight to dry.
Bound antibodies were detected using an anti rabbit IgG antibody linked to Horseradish-peroxidase and an ECL™ (Enzyme Linked Chemiluminescent) Western Blotting System (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech). The maximum light emission is at a wavelength of 428nm which can be detected by a short exposure to blue-light sensitive autoradiography film Black dots on the negative clearly showed that antibodies were bound to the glass surface of the slide in distinct dot aria. The present detection method does not show dependency on the concentration of the antibody because the signal is saturated even for the lowest concentration of Antibody (40 μg/ml). ECL (enzyme linked chemiluminescent) based immuno-detection is designed for the detection of minute amounts of antibodies. In order to see concentration dependence of antibody binding, a lower range of antibody concentrations should be studied.
The above example demonstrates the electrostatic attachment of antibodies to the glass surface. Another possibility to conjugate antibodies with the glass surface could be based on the use of the covalent binding of antibodies.
A recent study shows the possibility of performing a gas-phase silanization procedure at room temperature and atmospheric pressure on silicon oxide (E. Pavlovic, A.P. Quist, U. Gelius, S. Oscarsson, J Colloid Interface ScL 254 (2002) 200-203.). By using this method it is possible to functionalize the glass surface with various reactive groups (amino, thiol, epoxy etc.) by means of silane chemistry (Sebastien Herrmann, Boaz Leshem, Shimi Landes, Bracha Rager-Zisman, Robert S. Marks. Talanta 66 (2005) 6-14.). This modification allows different conjugation strategies, such as using silanization protocol to functionalize the glass surface with thiol groups and subsequent ional antibody binding through bifunctional crosslinker 6-Maleimidohexanoic acid N- hydroxysuccinimide ester (SPDP).
B. Demonstration of bacteria binding on the antibody pretreated glass surface
The binding of S. aureus bacteria to antibody coated slides is demonstrated by the following experiment.
Bacteria were grown overnight and resuspended in PBS to about 109 cells per ml. A 40 μl antibody solution (1 mg/ml) or control solution (1 mg/ml BSA) was deposited on pieces of CMT-GAP II Slides (Corning, NY) slides and allowed to dry overnight. Both slides were first blocked by PBS buffer/low fat milk for 30 min and then washed by PBS buffer. Both slides were incubated for 15 min with shaking in 109 cells/ml bacteria suspension and afterwards rinsed 3 times with PBS buffer. An 8 μl fixing solution was added on the treated glass aria (20% glycerol, 0.4 mM Sodium Azide) and coverslips were placed on the fixed preparate and the slides were sealed with lake. Pictures were taken at 400x magnification by using modification phase microscopy - (DIC) Differential Interference Contrast (Nomarski) imaging. It was found that slides that were treated with antibody to S. aureus show very distinct and effective, about 20-25%, bacteria binding compared with very low binding (only a few bound bacteria) in the control slide, which was not treated with appropriate antibody. This result shows clearly, that glass slides pre-treated with antibodies could capture appropriate bacterial cells with apparent change of the surface optical properties. This change in optical properties of the surface should be significant enough to be detected by a variety of optical methods.
C. Optical detection of bound via antibody bacteria on glass slides.
To measure bound bacteria on the glass slides, an ultra-thin detector cuvettes were built by the following procedure. Slides were cut into 18 mm wide strips and were coated with anti-S. aureus antibody (40 μl of 1 mg/ml antibody solution) or with control solution (40 μl of 1 mg/ml BSA solution). After incubation with the antibody, the slides were blocked with 3% milk and then washed by PBS. Cuvettes were assembled by inserting 2 mm thick coverslips on both sides as spacers, with both antibody coated sides facing inwards.
The ultra-thin cuvette was created to increase the sensitivity of the system. In functional conditions the system will work in the continuous mode. In the case of high bacteria content in the air, the relatively high turbidity of the solution may mask the signal of bound bacteria. At a path length of 1 cm a 108 bacteria per ml will cause absorption of 0.2 OD units, while a single layer of bacteria bound to a glass slide will absorb less. In the cuvette with a small thickness the bound bacteria would be masked with a less degree.
In that particular experiment a bacterial suspension of 109 bacteria per ml to both a control and an antibody cuvette was applied. Absorption spectra from 200 to 900 nm were recorded by putting the cuvette into the light path of a regular UV-visible photometer.
The predicted outcome of the experiment was as follows:
Initially, after the first load of bacteria, to both control and antibody cuvette, the spectra should be identical, since both cuvettes contain the same amount of bacteria relative to the bacteria concentration in the fed bacterial suspension.
After filling both cuvettes 10 times with bacteria and then emptying them each time, the full cuvettes after 10 cycles were tested again for recording of spectra. In that case a higher absorption was expected in the antibody cuvette, since now it expected to bind bacteria to the surface, as well as having the same number of bacteria left in solution after final filling of the cuvette. Finally the cuvettes were washed five times with clean PBS buffer, and again spectra for both cuvettes were measured. Here again a difference was expected between the spectra reflecting bound bacteria in the antibody slide and spectra in the control slide, where bacteria binding is not predicted.
The subtracted spectra of the final absorption results showed that in all three cases a clear absorption signal of the bound bacteria was observed, with the highest sensitivity in the near UV. The spectral differences in all three cases were relatively low, showing that the same factor was detected in three different ways. Since the experiment was internally controlled (comparison between different measurements within the same cuvette), as well as externally controlled (comparison with a control cuvette without antibody), the results very convincingly suggest that:
1. The use of a thin flow through a cuvette and simultaneous measurement of control and antibody slide may be feasible for the on-line monitoring of microorganisms in liquid suspensions.
2. The ultra-thin cuvette design avoids the problem of high turbidity in the solution, even at 109 bacteria per ml the signal from the solution remains low and does not mask the signal obtained from the bound bacteria to the slide surface. This means that even a very low signal of bound bacteria can be optically detected as the difference between control and antibody containing cuvette.
3. Suitable connections may be made that split the flow through both cuvettes (experimental and control), and provide double optical detection and electronic analysis for the detection of differences in absorption.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1. A detector for the presence of contaminants in a fluid comprising: a collection means by which an analyte sample is collected; a capturing means by which any contaminants within said analyte are isolated; and an identification means by which said contaminants are identified.
2. The detector according to claim 1, wherein the collection means comprises: a cyclonic collection unit comprising at least one aerosol injection jet, which delivers fine liquid droplets into a stream of gas, to which contaminants in the gas become attached; at least one cyclonic separator, into which said gas and droplets is drawn and in which a vortex is formed separating the gas from suspended water droplets; and at least one collection reservoir, where said separated water droplets collect to form a concentrated analyte.
3. The detector according to claim 1, wherein the capturing means comprises a filtration and separation means which distinguishes between different contaminants by a property that includes at least one of size, density, particle consistency, weight, resonant frequency, colour, saturation point, boiling point, melting point or any other physical, chemical or biological property or combination thereof.
4. The detector according to claim 1, wherein the capturing means comprises a specific diagnostic unit, through which the analyte is introduced a plurality of times, and which comprises specific immunological detection kits adapted to detect targeted contaminants.
5. The detector according to claim 1, wherein the capturing means comprises a biological trap comprising a plurality of attachment platforms upon which antibodies for specific biological agents are affixed and a means of bringing the analyte into sufficient proximity with said platforms such that biological agents carried by the analyte become attached to said antibodies.
6. The detector according to claim 1, wherein the identification means comprises a plurality of detection systems that comprise at least one of immunological detection kits based upon antigenic recognition, optical sensors, NMR sensors, chemical detection means or any combination thereof, which are used to analyse fluid samples, concentrated analytes or attachment platforms so as to detect contaminants contained therein.
7. The detector according to claim 1, further comprising a maintenance unit which replaces diagnostic kits which have exceeded their expiry dates.
8. The detector according to claim 1, wherein a sample of the liquid is introduced online directly into the identification means.
9. The detector according to claim 1, further comprising an analyte recycling means for re-introducing the concentrated analyte into the stream of monitored fluid enabling the concentration of contaminants within the analyte to increase with each cycle until the contaminant is detected.
10. A method of detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid comprising: collecting an analyte sample; isolating any contaminants within said analyte; and identifying said contaminants.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein isolating any contaminants within said analyte comprises: providing at least one aerosol injection jet; delivering fine liquid droplets into a stream of gas, to which contaminants in the gas become attached; providing at least one cyclonic separator; drawing said gas and droplets into said cyclonic separator; creating a vortex within said cyclonic separator thereby separating the gas from suspended water droplets; and collecting said separated water droplets in at least one collection reservoir to form a concentrated analyte.
12. The method according to claim 10, wherein isolating any contaminants within said analyte comprises: isolating contaminants through providing a filtration and separation means; distinguishing between different contaminants by a property that includes at least one of size, density, particle consistency, weight, resonant frequency, colour, saturation point, boiling point, melting point or any other physical, chemical or biological property or combination thereof.
13. The method according to claim 10, wherein isolating any contaminants within said analyte comprises providing specific immunological detection kits, adapted to detect targeted contaminants such as microorganisms; and introducing the analyte into said unit a plurality of times.
14. The method according to claim 10, wherein isolating any contaminants within said analyte comprises providing a biological trap comprising a plurality of attachment platforms upon which antibodies for specific biological agents are affixed, and bringing the analyte into sufficient proximity with said platforms such that biological agents carried by the analyte become attached to said antibodies.
15. The method according to claim 10, wherein isolating any contaminants within said analyte comprises providing a plurality of detection systems that comprise at least one of immunological detection kits based upon antigenic recognition, optical sensors, NMR sensors, chemical detection means or any combination thereof, and using said detection systems to analyse fluid samples, concentrated analytes or attachment platforms so as to detect contaminants contained therein.
16. The method according to claim 10, further comprising providing a maintenance unit which can automatically replace diagnostic kits which have exceeded their expiry dates and can notify the operator that said kits should be replaced.
17. The method according to claim 10, further comprising introducing a sample of the liquid directly into the identification means and performing online analysis of contaminants in the liquid.
18. The method according to claim 10, further comprising performing continuous monitoring of the fluid by additionally reintroducing the concentrated analyte into the stream of monitored fluid and so enabling the concentration of contaminants within the analyte to increase with each cycle until the contaminant is detected.
19. A system for detection of contaminants in a fluid comprising: a level tank, a cyclone, a mixer, a cooling unit, air ducts, a nozzle, liquid pumps, an air pump, and internal and external air compressors; wherein one of said liquid pumps pumps liquid from said level tank to said nozzle, said air pump compresses air to said nozzle, thereby creating a liquid mist, said external air compressor draws air flow to said cyclone, which separates liquid particles from the air flow, wherein said liquid particles join the liquid mist at an entrance to said cyclone, and wherein liquid that accumulates at a bottom of said cyclone is pumped to said mixer, and said internal air compressor forces external air into said mixer and fluid from said mixer is pumped to said biological detector and back to said level tank.
20. The system according to claim 19, wherein excess air from said mixer exits one of said air ducts to said cooling unit, in which vapors condense from the air and condensate flows back to said level tank.
PCT/IL2007/000273 2007-03-04 2007-03-04 Detecting the presence of contaminants in a fluid WO2008107865A2 (en)

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