Tangential flow filtration unidirectional system and control method

Abstract

This invention discloses a tangential flow filtration unidirectional system and its control method. The tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a tangential flow filtration assembly, a storage tank, a harvest liquid tank, a waste liquid tank, and a control device. The tangential flow filtration assembly includes a tangential flow filtration membrane pack. The storage tank is connected to the inlet end of the tangential flow filtration assembly via a sample loading pipeline. The harvest liquid tank is connected to the outlet end of the tangential flow filtration assembly via a drain pipeline. The waste liquid tank is connected to the outlet end of the tangential flow filtration assembly via a waste liquid pipeline. The control device can open or close the tangential flow filtration membrane pack. This invention can be widely applied in the field of bioengineering technology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bioengineering technology, and in particular to a tangential flow filtration unidirectional system and control method. Background Technology

[0002] Tangential flow filtration technology is mainly used in bioengineering for concentration, washing (desalting and buffer replacement), and separation of biomolecules by size. It can also be used for the removal and clarification of cells and cell debris in fermentation broth or cell culture medium.

[0003] Tangential flow filtration technology differs from conventional direct current filtration technology. In tangential flow filtration, the liquid flows tangentially across the membrane surface, and the transmembrane pressure difference generated by the liquid forces part of the solution onto the membrane, resulting in a harvest liquid and a waste liquid. Throughout the process, the liquid flows continuously across the membrane surface at a certain speed, simultaneously filtration and scouring the membrane surface, making it less prone to gel formation and thus preventing particles in the sample solution from clogging the membrane, maintaining a stable filtration rate. A unidirectional tangential flow filtration system includes a tangential flow filtration module, a storage tank, a harvest liquid tank, and a waste liquid tank. After filtration by the filtration module, the portion of the sample solution containing the target protein enters the harvest liquid tank, while the other portion enters the waste liquid tank. The equipment structure is relatively complex, especially the operation of the tangential flow filtration module, which requires a certain level of expertise. Currently, technicians often experience low efficiency and untimely operation.

[0004] Currently, in the filtration of recombinant proteins, technicians need to select the appropriate filter membrane pack based on the molecular weight of the target protein and the sample volume, which requires a certain level of professional knowledge and experience from the technicians. In addition, after the sample is filtered once, it is necessary to manually measure whether the protein concentration in the harvest solution has reached the target concentration. If the target concentration has not been reached, it is also necessary to manually measure the volume of the protein solution in the harvest tank and select a suitable filter membrane pack for secondary filtration. Alternatively, there may be residual target protein in the waste liquid. These factors will all affect the purification efficiency and effect of the sample solution. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a tangential flow filtration unidirectional system and control method, the technical solution of which is as follows.

[0006] The tangential flow filtration unidirectional system provided by this invention includes a tangential flow filtration assembly, a storage tank, a harvest liquid tank, a waste liquid tank, and a control device. The tangential flow filtration assembly includes a tangential flow filtration membrane pack. The storage tank is connected to the inlet end of the tangential flow filtration assembly via a sample loading pipeline. The harvest liquid tank is connected to the outlet end of the tangential flow filtration assembly via a drain pipeline. The waste liquid tank is connected to the outlet end of the tangential flow filtration assembly via a waste liquid pipeline. The control device is capable of opening or closing the tangential flow filtration membrane pack.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tangential flow filtration assembly includes at least two tangential flow filtration membrane packs of different specifications, which are connected in parallel. The control device activates the corresponding tangential flow filtration membrane pack according to the volume of the sample solution and the molecular weight of the target protein.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a first reflux pipeline, a first detector and a first flow meter. The first detector is connected to the harvest liquid tank. The first reflux pipeline is connected to both the harvest liquid tank and the sample loading pipeline. The first reflux pipeline is connected to the sample loading pipeline via a valve body. The first flow meter is connected to the discharge pipeline.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a temporary storage tank, a waste liquid branch pipe, and a second detector. The second detector is connected to the waste liquid pipe, and the waste liquid branch pipe is connected to both the temporary storage tank and the waste liquid pipe. The waste liquid branch pipe is connected to the waste liquid pipe via a valve body.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a second return pipeline, which is connected to the temporary storage tank and the sample loading pipeline respectively, and the second return pipeline is connected to the sample loading pipeline through a valve body.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a third detector connected to the temporary storage tank.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a second flow meter connected to the waste liquid branch pipe.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a peristaltic pump connected to the sample loading pipeline.

[0014] The control method provided by this invention operates a tangential flow filtration unidirectional system, and the control method includes the following steps:

[0015] Input the information about the sample solution in the storage tank into the control device, and the control device will activate the tangential flow filtration membrane pack;

[0016] The first detector measures the protein concentration of the harvest liquid in the harvest liquid tank;

[0017] If the protein concentration detected by the first detector does not meet the requirements of the harvest liquid, the control device starts the first reflux line and connects it to the sample loading line. The control device then starts the tangential flow filter membrane pack corresponding to the volume of the harvest liquid and the molecular weight of the target protein. The harvest liquid flows back from the harvest liquid tank to the tangential flow filter membrane pack of the corresponding specification.

[0018] The control method provided by this invention operates a tangential flow filtration unidirectional system, and the control method includes the following steps:

[0019] Input the information about the sample solution in the storage tank into the control device, and the control device will activate the tangential flow filtration membrane pack;

[0020] The second detector measures the protein concentration in the waste liquid discharged from the tangential flow filtration membrane package;

[0021] If the protein concentration detected by the second detector does not meet the waste liquid requirements, the control device will activate the waste liquid branch line to connect with the waste liquid pipeline, and the waste liquid will be discharged to the temporary storage tank.

[0022] The third detector measures the protein concentration of the waste liquid in the temporary storage tank, and the second flow meter measures the volume of the waste liquid flowing into the temporary storage tank. If the protein content in the waste liquid is not within the specified range, the control device activates the second reflux pipeline to connect with the sample loading pipeline, and the control device activates the corresponding specification of the tangential flow filter membrane pack, so that the waste liquid in the temporary storage tank flows back to the corresponding specification of the tangential flow filter membrane pack.

[0023] This invention can be widely applied in the field of bioengineering technology, and the embodiments of this invention have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0024] In a tangential flow filtration unidirectional system, a control device can be used to automatically turn the tangential flow filtration components on or off, thereby achieving automated operation of the equipment and improving work efficiency.

[0025] The tangential flow filtration assembly is designed with multiple tangential flow filtration membrane packs of different specifications. The sample liquid information is input into the control device, and the control device can automatically match the tangential flow filtration membrane pack of the corresponding specification.

[0026] The harvest liquid tank is designed with a first detector and a first return pipeline. The first detector can detect the protein concentration in the harvest liquid. If it does not meet the standard, the harvest liquid is returned to the tangential flow filter assembly through the first return pipeline for secondary filtration. The control device matches the corresponding specification of the tangential flow filter membrane pack according to the detection data of the first flow meter and the molecular weight of the target protein.

[0027] The tangential flow filtration loop system is designed with a temporary storage tank and a second detector. If the protein concentration in the filtered waste liquid does not meet the requirements, the waste liquid flows into the temporary storage tank.

[0028] The temporary storage tank is designed to be connected to a tangential flow filter assembly via a second return pipeline for secondary filtration of the waste liquid. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a tangential flow filtration unidirectional system, showing a storage tank, a harvest tank, and a waste tank.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a tangential flow filtration unidirectional system. The diagram shows a storage tank, a harvest tank, a waste tank, a first return pipeline, a first detector, and a first flow meter.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tangential flow filtration unidirectional system according to Embodiment 3. The diagram shows a storage tank, a harvest tank, a temporary storage tank, a waste tank, a first return pipeline, a first detector, a second detector, a third detector, a first flow meter, and a second flow meter.

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] 101. Storage tank; 102. Harvested liquid tank; 103. Waste liquid tank; 104. Tangential flow filter membrane pack; 105. Temporary storage tank; 106. Peristaltic pump;

[0035] 201. Sample loading pipeline; 202. Drainage pipeline; 203. Waste liquid pipeline; 204. Waste liquid branch pipeline;

[0036] 301. First return line; 302. Second return line;

[0037] 401. First detector; 402. Second detector; 403. Third detector;

[0038] 501, First flow meter; 502, Second flow meter. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 3 Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0040] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the use of terms such as "center," "middle," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0042] This invention relates to a tangential flow filtration unidirectional system, comprising a storage tank 101, a tangential flow filtration assembly, a harvest liquid tank 102, and a waste liquid tank 103. The tangential flow filtration assembly includes a tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104. The storage tank 101 is connected to the inlet end of the tangential flow filtration assembly via a sample loading pipeline 201. The harvest liquid tank 102 is connected to the outlet end of the tangential flow filtration assembly via a drain pipeline 202. The waste liquid tank 103 is connected to the outlet end of the tangential flow filtration assembly via a waste liquid pipeline 203. It is understood that the sample liquid in the storage tank 101 is processed by the tangential flow filtration assembly to obtain harvest liquid and waste liquid, which are discharged to the harvest liquid tank 102 and the waste liquid tank 103, respectively.

[0043] To achieve automated operation of the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system, a control device is designed for the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system. The control device can turn the tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104 on or off. Specifically, the control device includes a host computer.

[0044] Furthermore, to accommodate different molecular weights of target proteins and sample volumes, a tangential flow filtration assembly is designed, comprising at least two tangential flow filtration membrane packs 104 of different specifications. These membrane packs 104 are connected in parallel, and each pack is used to process a liquid of its corresponding specification, improving filtration and purification efficiency. The control device activates the corresponding tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104 based on the molecular weight of the target protein and the volume of the sample solution. After receiving information about the sample solution, the control device can activate the corresponding tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104. It should be noted that the sample solution information includes the molecular weight of the target protein and the volume of the sample solution.

[0045] In related technologies, during the sample filtration process of recombinant proteins, the operator selects a suitable tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104 based on the molecular weight of the target protein and the volume of the protein solution to be purified. This requires a certain level of experience and expertise from the operator. Therefore, a control device is designed to automatically compare and match the tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104 of the corresponding specifications, thereby reducing the difficulty of the operator's work.

[0046] In one implementation, the inlet end of the tangential flow filtration assembly is provided with an inlet split structure. The sample loading pipeline 201 is connected to the inlet split structure, and the inlet of each tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104 is connected to the inlet split structure through pipelines. Furthermore, the control device is electrically connected to the inlet split structure, and the control device can activate the inlet split structure to connect to the tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104 of the specification corresponding to the molecular weight of the target protein and the volume of the sample solution.

[0047] In some examples, the inlet diversion structure is provided with at least two valve bodies corresponding to each tangential flow filter membrane package 104. The valve bodies are configured as solenoid valves, and the control device can control the opening and closing of each valve body separately.

[0048] In one implementation, the outlet end of the tangential flow filtration assembly is provided with a first outlet manifold structure and a second outlet manifold structure. Specifically, the outlet of the harvested liquid of each tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104 is connected to the first outlet manifold structure via a pipeline, and the drain pipe 202 is connected to the first outlet manifold structure; the outlet of the waste liquid of each tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104 is connected to the second outlet manifold structure via a pipeline, and the waste liquid pipe 203 is connected to the second outlet manifold structure.

[0049] In some examples, two tangential flow filter membrane packs 104 are configured, with the inlet split structure configured as a three-way valve, and the first outlet manifold structure and the second outlet manifold structure configured as three-way valves respectively.

[0050] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a peristaltic pump 106, which is connected to the sample loading line 201. A control device is electrically connected to the peristaltic pump 106 and can operate the start and stop of the peristaltic pump 106. It can be understood that the peristaltic pump 106 provides power for the liquid to flow from the sample loading line 201 into the tangential flow filtration assembly.

[0051] In one implementation, the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a first return line 301, which is connected to the harvest liquid tank 102 and the sample loading line 201. It is understood that the harvest liquid in the harvest liquid tank 102 can be returned to the tangential flow filtration assembly via the first return line 301 and the sample loading line 201 for secondary filtration.

[0052] In related technologies, after the sample solution is filtered once by a tangential flow filtration assembly, the obtained harvest solution may still not reach the set protein concentration. Therefore, this invention is specifically designed to perform secondary filtration of the harvest solution.

[0053] Furthermore, the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a first detector 401, which is electrically connected to the control device and connected to the harvest liquid tank 102. The first detector 401 is used to detect the protein concentration of the harvest liquid, which can be obtained based on at least one of the conductivity and refractive index values ​​of the harvest liquid. It is understood that if the control device determines that the protein concentration detected by the first detector 401 does not meet the requirements of the harvest liquid, the harvest liquid is recirculated for secondary filtration.

[0054] In some examples, to make the detection of the first detector 401 more accurate, the harvest liquid tank 102 is equipped with a stirrer to mix the harvest liquid evenly.

[0055] The first reflux line 301 is connected to the sample loading line 201 via a valve body. Specifically, the first reflux line 301 is connected to the sample loading line 201 via a first three-way valve, and the control device is electrically connected to the first three-way valve. It can be understood that the control device can operate the first three-way valve to connect the first reflux line 301 and the sample loading line 201, or the first three-way valve to connect the storage tank 101 and the sample loading line 201.

[0056] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a first flow meter 501, which is connected to the drain pipe 202. The first flow meter 501 is used to detect the volume of harvested liquid entering the harvested liquid tank 102. Furthermore, the first flow meter 501 is electrically connected to a control device, which obtains the volume of harvested liquid collected in the harvested liquid tank 102 based on the detection of the first flow meter 501.

[0057] Understandably, when the harvested liquid needs to be returned to the tangential flow filtration assembly via the first return line 301, the control device will activate the corresponding specification of the tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104 to connect to the sample loading line 201 based on the harvested liquid volume and the molecular weight of the target protein detected by the first flow meter 501.

[0058] Of course, in some examples, there are cases where the tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104 with the same specifications as the tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104 used in the first filtration has the same specifications as the one used in the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system. In this case, setting only one tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104 in the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system can also meet the requirements.

[0059] In one implementation, the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a temporary storage tank 105, a waste liquid branch pipe 204, and a second detector 402. The second detector 402 is connected to the waste liquid pipe 203 and electrically connected to a control device. The waste liquid branch pipe 204 connects to both the temporary storage tank 105 and the waste liquid pipe 203. Specifically, the second detector 402 detects the protein concentration of the waste liquid discharged from the tangential flow filtration assembly. The protein concentration can be obtained by detecting at least one of the conductivity and refractive index values ​​of the harvested liquid. If the waste liquid does not meet the requirements, i.e., the waste liquid contains the target protein, the waste liquid flows into the temporary storage tank 105 through the waste liquid branch pipe 204.

[0060] Waste liquid branch line 204 is connected to waste liquid line 203 via a valve body. Specifically, waste liquid branch line 204 is connected to waste liquid line 203 via a second three-way valve, and the control device is electrically connected to the second three-way valve. It can be understood that the control device can operate the second three-way valve to connect waste liquid line 203 and waste liquid branch line 204, or the second three-way valve to connect waste liquid line 203 and waste liquid tank 103.

[0061] In one implementation, the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a second return line 302, which is connected to the temporary storage tank 105 and the sample loading line 201. It is understood that the waste liquid in the temporary storage tank 105 can be returned to the tangential flow filtration assembly via the second return line 302 and the sample loading line 201 for secondary filtration.

[0062] In related technologies, after the sample solution is filtered once by the tangential flow filtration assembly, some target proteins with special structures may pass through the tangential flow filtration membrane 104 and mix into the waste liquid, causing loss of target proteins. Therefore, the present invention specifically designs a second detector 402 to check the protein concentration of the waste liquid discharged by the tangential flow filtration assembly, determine whether there are target proteins mixed into the waste liquid, and further designs a secondary filtration of the waste liquid in the temporary storage tank 105.

[0063] Furthermore, the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a third detector 403, which is electrically connected to the control device and connected to the temporary storage tank 105. The third detector 403 is used to detect the protein concentration of the waste liquid in the temporary storage tank 105. The protein concentration can be obtained based on at least one of the conductivity value and refractive index value of the harvested liquid.

[0064] Referring to the attached diagram, the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a second flow meter 502, which is connected to the waste liquid branch pipe 204. The second flow meter 502 is used to detect the volume of waste liquid entering the temporary storage tank 105. The control device, through the protein concentration detected by the third detector 403 and the volume of waste liquid detected by the second flow meter 502, can further determine the amount of target protein in the waste liquid. If the amount of target protein in the waste liquid exceeds a preset value, the waste liquid will undergo secondary filtration.

[0065] Understandably, when the waste liquid needs to be returned to the tangential flow filtration assembly via the second return line 302, the control device activates the corresponding specification of the tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104 to connect to the sample loading line 201 based on the waste liquid volume and target protein molecular weight detected by the second flow meter 502. Of course, in some examples, the specification of the tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104 corresponding to the waste liquid volume and target protein molecular weight is the same as that used in the first filtration. In this case, setting only one tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104 in the unidirectional tangential flow filtration system may also meet the requirements.

[0066] In some examples, to make the detection of the third detector 403 more accurate, the temporary storage tank 105 is equipped with a stirrer to mix the waste liquid evenly.

[0067] The second reflux line 302 is connected to the sample loading line 201 through a valve body. Specifically, the second reflux line 302 is connected to the sample loading line 201 through a third three-way valve, and the control device is electrically connected to the third three-way valve.

[0068] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. It should be noted that the following description is merely illustrative and not a specific limitation of the invention.

[0069] Example 1

[0070] The tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a tangential flow filtration assembly, a storage tank 101, a harvested liquid tank 102, a waste liquid tank 103, a first return pipeline 301, a first detector 401, and a control device. The tangential flow filtration assembly includes two tangential flow filtration membrane packs 104, wherein the inlet diversion structure, the first outlet confluence structure, and the second outlet confluence structure are respectively configured as three-way valves.

[0071] The control method for manipulating the operation of a unidirectional tangential flow filter system includes the following process.

[0072] The information of the sample liquid in the storage tank 101 is input to the control device. The control device switches the inlet diversion structure to start the tangential flow filter membrane pack 104 of the corresponding specification. The obtained harvest liquid and waste liquid are discharged to the harvest liquid tank 102 and the waste liquid tank 103, respectively. The first detector 401 detects the protein concentration of the harvest liquid in the harvest liquid tank 102, and the control device receives the detection data of the first detector 401.

[0073] The control device compares the detection data obtained by the first detector 401 with the set value. If the protein concentration detected by the first detector 401 does not meet the requirements of the harvest liquid, the control device switches the first three-way valve, starts the first reflux pipeline 301 to connect with the sample loading pipeline 201, and starts the tangential flow filter membrane pack 104 corresponding to the volume of the harvest liquid and the molecular weight specification of the target protein. The harvest liquid flows back from the harvest liquid tank 102 to the tangential flow filter membrane pack 104 of the corresponding specification for secondary filtration.

[0074] Understandably, the above control method can be repeated until the protein concentration of the harvested liquid reaches the required level.

[0075] In some other embodiments, the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system may also include a first flow meter 501, and the control device determines the volume of the harvested liquid in the harvested liquid tank 102 based on the detection of the first flow meter 501.

[0076] Example 2

[0077] The tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a tangential flow filtration assembly, a storage tank 101, a harvested liquid tank 102, a waste liquid tank 103, a temporary storage tank 105, a waste liquid branch pipe 204, a second detector 402, a second return pipe 302, a third detector 403, and a control device. The tangential flow filtration assembly includes two tangential flow filtration membrane packs 104, wherein the inlet diversion structure, the first outlet confluence structure, and the second outlet confluence structure are respectively configured as three-way valves.

[0078] The control method for manipulating the operation of a unidirectional tangential flow filter system includes the following process.

[0079] The information of the sample liquid in the storage tank 101 is input to the control device. The control device switches the inlet diversion structure to start the tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104 of the corresponding specification. The obtained harvest liquid is discharged to the harvest liquid tank 102. The second detector 402 detects the protein concentration in the waste liquid discharged from the tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104. The control device receives the detection data from the second detector 402.

[0080] The control device compares the detection data obtained by the second detector 402 with the set value: if the protein concentration detected by the second detector 402 does not meet the waste liquid requirements, the control device switches the second three-way valve, starts the waste liquid branch pipe 204 and connects it with the waste liquid pipe 203, and discharges the waste liquid to the temporary storage tank 105; if the protein concentration detected by the second detector 402 meets the waste liquid requirements, the waste liquid pipe 203 is connected to the waste liquid tank 103, and the waste liquid is discharged to the waste liquid tank 103.

[0081] The control device activates the second reflux line 302, connecting it to the sample loading line 201, causing the waste liquid in the temporary storage tank 105 to be refluxed for secondary filtration. Understandably, the third detector 403 in the temporary storage tank 105 detects the protein concentration of the waste liquid.

[0082] In some other embodiments, the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system may also include a second flow meter 502. The second flow meter 502 is used to detect the volume of waste liquid entering the temporary storage tank 105.

[0083] The control device can further determine the amount of the target protein in the waste liquid by using the protein concentration detected by the third detector 403 and the volume of the waste liquid detected by the second flow meter 502. If the amount of the target protein in the waste liquid exceeds the preset value, the waste liquid will be filtered a second time. If the amount of the target protein in the waste liquid is small and does not exceed the preset value, no second filtration is required.

[0084] When the waste liquid needs to be returned to the tangential flow filtration assembly via the second return pipeline 302, the control device starts the corresponding specification of the tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104 based on the waste liquid volume and the molecular weight of the target protein detected by the second flow meter 502, and the waste liquid in the temporary storage tank 105 is returned to the corresponding specification of the tangential flow filtration membrane pack 104.

[0085] Example 3

[0086] The tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a tangential flow filtration assembly, a storage tank 101, a harvested liquid tank 102, a waste liquid tank 103, a first return pipeline 301, a first detector 401, a temporary storage tank 105, a waste liquid branch pipeline 204, a second detector 402, a second return pipeline 302, a third detector 403, and a control device. The tangential flow filtration assembly includes two tangential flow filtration membrane packs 104, wherein the inlet diversion structure, the first outlet confluence structure, and the second outlet confluence structure are respectively configured as three-way valves.

[0087] Understandably, in this case, if neither the harvested liquid nor the waste liquid obtained by the tangential flow filtration assembly meets the requirements, secondary filtration of the harvested liquid and the waste liquid can be performed separately.

[0088] In other embodiments, the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system may also include a first flow meter 501.

[0089] In the description of this specification, the use of terms such as "an embodiment," "some examples," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" indicates that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0090] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0091] In the description of this invention, the presence of a comma ("、") in the patent title indicates an "and" relationship, not an "or" relationship. For example, if the patent title is "A and B", it means that the content claimed by this invention includes: the technical solution with the subject matter title A and the technical solution with the subject matter title B.

Claims

1. A tangential flow filtration unidirectional system, characterized in that: include A tangential flow filtration assembly, comprising at least two tangential flow filtration membrane packs (104) of different specifications, wherein the tangential flow filtration membrane packs (104) of different specifications are connected in parallel; A liquid storage tank (101) is connected to the inlet end of the tangential flow filter assembly via a sample loading pipeline (201); Harvesting liquid tank (102), the harvesting liquid tank (102) is connected to the outlet end of the tangential flow filter assembly through a drain pipe (202); Waste liquid tank (103), the waste liquid tank (103) is connected to the outlet end of the tangential flow filter assembly through waste liquid pipeline (203); The first reflux line (301) is connected to the harvest liquid tank (102) and the sample loading line (201) respectively. The first reflux line (301) is connected to the sample loading line (201) through a valve body. A first detector (401) is connected to the harvest liquid tank (102) and is used to detect the protein concentration of the harvest liquid; A first flow meter (501) is connected to the drain pipe (202) and is used to detect the volume of the harvest liquid in the harvest liquid tank (102). Temporary storage tank (105); Waste liquid branch pipe (204) is connected to the temporary storage tank (105) and the waste liquid pipeline (203) respectively. The waste liquid branch pipe (204) is connected to the waste liquid pipeline (203) through a valve body. The second detector (402) is connected to the waste liquid pipeline (203) and is used to detect the protein concentration in the waste liquid discharged from the tangential flow filtration membrane pack (104). The second reflux line (302) is connected to the temporary storage tank (105) and the sample loading line (201) respectively. The second reflux line (302) is connected to the sample loading line (201) through a valve body. A third detector (403) is connected to the temporary storage tank (105) and is used to detect the protein concentration of the waste liquid in the temporary storage tank (105). A second flow meter (502) is connected to the waste liquid branch pipe (204), and the second flow meter (502) is used to detect the volume of waste liquid entering the temporary storage tank (105); The control device is electrically connected to the first detector (401), the first flow meter (501), the second detector (402), the third detector (403), and the second flow meter (502), respectively. The control device activates the corresponding tangential flow filtration membrane pack (104) according to the volume of the liquid to be filtered and the molecular weight of the target protein.

2. The tangential flow filtration unidirectional system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tangential flow filtration unidirectional system includes a peristaltic pump (106), which is connected to the sample loading pipeline (201).

3. A control method, characterized in that: The control method manipulates the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system as described in claim 1 to operate, the control method comprising: Input the information of the sample liquid in the storage tank (101) into the control device, and the control device starts the tangential flow filtration membrane pack (104); The first detector (401) detects the protein concentration of the harvest liquid in the harvest liquid tank (102); If the protein concentration detected by the first detector (401) does not meet the requirements of the harvest liquid, the control device starts the first reflux line (301) to connect with the sample loading line (201), and the control device starts the tangential flow filter membrane pack (104) corresponding to the volume of the harvest liquid and the molecular weight specification of the target protein. The harvest liquid flows back from the harvest liquid tank (102) to the tangential flow filter membrane pack (104) of the corresponding specification.

4. A control method, characterized in that: The control method manipulates the tangential flow filtration unidirectional system as described in claim 1 to operate, the control method comprising: The second detector (402) detects the protein concentration in the waste liquid discharged from the tangential flow filtration membrane package (104); If the protein concentration detected by the second detector (402) does not meet the requirements of the waste liquid, the control device will start the waste liquid branch pipe (204) to connect with the waste liquid pipe (203), and the waste liquid will be discharged to the temporary storage tank (105); The third detector (403) detects the protein concentration of the waste liquid in the temporary storage tank (105), and the second flow meter (502) detects the volume of waste liquid flowing into the temporary storage tank. If the protein content in the waste liquid is not within the specified range, the control device starts the second return pipeline (302) to connect with the sample loading pipeline (201), and the control device starts the corresponding specification tangential flow filter membrane pack (104), and the waste liquid in the temporary storage tank (105) flows back to the corresponding specification tangential flow filter membrane pack (104).

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