Tangential flow filtering equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses tangential flow filtering equipment which comprises a liquid supplementing device, a storage tank and a tangential flow filtering device, and the liquid supplementing device is communicated with the storage tank to allow liquid to flow to the storage tank; a liquid inlet pipe and a return pipe are arranged between the tangential flow filtering device and the storage tank, and a tangential flow filtering membrane bag is arranged in the tangential flow filtering device; a tank cover covers the opening of the storage tank; the tank cover is provided with a first connector, a second connector, a third connector, a fourth connector and a fifth connector which penetrate through the tank cover. The ends, located in the storage tank, of the fourth connector and the fifth connector are communicated. The tangential flow filtering equipment has a first working state and a second working state; the liquid supplementing device can be freely switched between the first connector and the fourth connector of the tank cover, and the liquid inlet pipe can be freely switched between the second connector and the fifth connector of the tank cover. Through the arrangement, the liquid inlet pipe is freely switched between the liquid supplementing bottle and the storage tank under the condition that the structure and the position of the equipment are not changed, and the recovery rate of feed liquid can be improved to the maximum extent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of filtering equipment, in particular to a tangential flow filtering equipment. Background Art

[0002] Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) is a filtration technique in which the liquid flow direction and the filtration direction are perpendicular to each other, utilizing the membrane pore size and pressure differential to perform filtration. In conventional filtration, the liquid passes directly through the filter membrane and enters the downstream, while large particles or molecules are trapped on the upper portion of the membrane, eventually forming a filter cake layer that blocks the pores. In TFF, because the liquid flows parallel to the membrane surface, the liquid continuously flushes the filter membrane during filtration, preventing the formation of a filter cake layer that could clog the filter. Therefore, the volume of liquid that can be filtered by TFF is significantly greater than that of conventional filtration. TFF is widely used in downstream purification processes of biopharmaceuticals, including solution concentration, dialysis, purification, and buffer exchange.

[0003] The typical structure of a TFF system is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it includes a peristaltic pump 1", a membrane package 2", a clamp 3", a storage tank 4", connecting pipes, valves, a pressure gauge, etc. In the TFF system, the sample solution passes through the membrane package 2" under pressure. Molecules larger than the membrane pore size (such as the target protein) are retained on the membrane (called retentate), while molecules smaller than the membrane pore size (such as salts, small molecule impurities, denaturants, etc.) flow out with the buffer (called diafiltrate). By continuously adding new buffer to the system and controlling the diafiltration rate, impurities or unwanted components in the original buffer can be gradually removed, thereby achieving buffer replacement.

[0004] TFF is used for buffer exchange and requires a connection port on the outside of the storage tank for connecting the rehydration bottle. The liquid in the rehydration bottle is transported to the storage tank through a peristaltic pump. Through continuous dialysis of the TFF system, the buffer in the original storage tank is gradually replaced with the buffer in the rehydration bottle.

[0005] At present, the tangential flow system equipment on the market basically adopts Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the equipment, in which the design and structure of the storage tank 4" uses three connection ports for connecting the liquid infusion end, the liquid inlet end, and the reflux end. With this design, after the buffer exchange step is completed, the buffer in the liquid infusion bottle 5" cannot be directly introduced into the liquid inlet line to remove the residual feed liquid in the top wash line and the membrane package 2". The feed liquid is not recovered to the greatest extent, reducing the recovery rate. Utility Model Content

[0006] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defect that the existing tangential flow filtration equipment cannot directly pass the buffer solution in the rehydration bottle into the liquid inlet pipeline to remove the residual liquid in the top wash pipeline and the membrane package after completing the buffer solution replacement step, resulting in a low liquid recovery rate, thereby providing a tangential flow filtration equipment.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solutions of the present utility model are as follows:

[0008] A tangential flow filtration device comprises a liquid infusion device, a storage tank, a circulation pump and a tangential flow filtration device, wherein the liquid infusion device is connected to the storage tank so that liquid flows into the storage tank; a liquid infusion tube is provided between the liquid infusion bottle and the storage tank for liquid to flow from the liquid infusion device to the storage tank; a liquid inlet tube is provided between the tangential flow filtration device and the storage tank for liquid to flow from the storage tank to the tangential flow filtration device, and a return tube is provided for liquid to flow back from the tangential flow filtration device to the storage tank; and a tank cover is provided at the opening of the storage tank;

[0009] The tank cover is provided with a first interface, a second interface and a third interface that pass through the tank cover and communicate with the inner and outer spaces of the storage tank. The tank cover is also provided with a fourth interface and a fifth interface that pass through the tank cover, and the fourth interface and the fifth interface are communicated at one end located inside the storage tank;

[0010] The tangential flow filtration device has a first working state and a second working state;

[0011] In the first working state, the fluid replenishing device is connected to the first interface, the fluid inlet pipe is connected to the second interface, and the return pipe is connected to the third interface; the fourth interface and the fifth interface are connected to the outside air;

[0012] In the second working state, the fluid replenishing device is connected to the fourth interface, the fluid inlet pipe is connected to the fifth interface, and the return pipe is connected to the third interface; the first interface and the second interface are connected to the external air.

[0013] Furthermore, in the first working state, the fourth interface and the fifth interface are both connected to air filter elements.

[0014] Furthermore, in the second working state, both the first interface and the second interface are connected to air filter elements.

[0015] Furthermore, one end of the second interface located in the storage tank extends into the bottom of the storage tank to be used for drawing out the liquid in the storage tank;

[0016] Alternatively, one end of the second interface located inside the storage tank is connected to an extension tube, and the extension tube extends into the bottom of the storage tank to draw out the liquid in the storage tank.

[0017] Furthermore, the fluid infusion device includes a fluid infusion bottle and a fluid infusion tube, and both ends of the fluid infusion tube are respectively connected to the fluid infusion bottle and the storage tank, so that the liquid in the fluid infusion bottle flows to the storage tank.

[0018] Furthermore, a peristaltic pump is provided on the fluid infusion tube.

[0019] Furthermore, a circulation pump is provided on the liquid inlet pipe, and the circulation pump is a peristaltic pump.

[0020] Furthermore, it also includes a waste liquid tank, and a drain pipe for the filtered waste liquid to flow to the waste liquid tank is provided between the tangential flow filtration device and the waste liquid tank.

[0021] Furthermore, a tangential flow filtration membrane package is provided inside the tangential flow filtration device, and the interface connecting the liquid inlet pipe, the return pipe and the tangential flow filtration device is located on one side of the tangential flow filtration membrane package, and the interface connecting the liquid discharge pipe and the tangential flow filtration device is located on the other side of the tangential flow filtration membrane package.

[0022] Furthermore, pressure gauges are provided on both the liquid inlet pipe and the return pipe.

[0023] The tangential flow filtration device provided by the present invention has the following specific advantages: while ensuring that the structure and position of the device remain unchanged, the fluid replenishment device can be freely switched between the first interface and the fourth interface of the tank cover, and the liquid inlet pipe can be freely switched between the second interface and the fifth interface of the tank cover; after the liquid in the storage tank is replaced by the liquid in the fluid replenishment device, the fluid replenishment device switches to connect with the fourth interface, and the liquid in the liquid inlet pipe switches to connect with the fifth interface, and the liquid in the fluid replenishment device can flow along the liquid inlet pipe, the tangential flow filtration device and the return pipe, thereby ejecting the remaining liquid in the liquid inlet pipe, the tangential flow filtration device and the return pipe into the storage tank, thereby maximizing the recovery rate of the liquid. At the same time, the unconnected interface is connected to the air filter element, and the air filter element is designed to ensure aseptic operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific implementation methods of the utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the specific implementation methods or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some implementation methods of the utility model. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0025] Figure 1 It is a typical structural diagram of a tangential flow filtration system in the prior art;

[0026] Figure 2It is a structural schematic diagram of a tangential flow filtration device with a buffer exchange function in the prior art;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the tangential flow filtration device in the first working state according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the tangential flow filtration device in the second working state according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the can cover in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0030] Explanation of the accompanying symbols: 1. Fluid infusion bottle; 2. Storage tank; 3. Circulation pump; 4. Tangential flow filtration device; 5. Tank cover; 51. First interface; 52. Second interface; 53. Third interface; 54. Fourth interface; 55. Fifth interface; 6. Waste liquid tank; A. Fluid infusion tube; B. Liquid inlet tube; C. Reflux tube; D. Liquid discharge tube; 7. Bracket; 8. Peristaltic pump; 9. Pressure gauge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following is a clear and complete description of the technical solution of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating positions or relationships, are based on the positions or relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to facilitate the description of this utility model and simplify the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0033] like Figure 3-5 shows a tangential flow filtration device, comprising a rehydration device, a storage tank 2, a circulation pump 3 and a tangential flow filtration device 4. The rehydration device comprises a rehydration bottle 1 and a rehydration tube A; the two ends of the rehydration tube A are respectively connected to the rehydration bottle 1 and the storage tank 2, so that the liquid in the rehydration bottle 1 flows to the storage tank (2). Between the tangential flow filtration device 4 and the storage tank 2, there is an inlet pipe B for the feed liquid to flow from the storage tank 2 to the tangential flow filtration device 4, and a reflux pipe C for the feed liquid to flow back from the tangential flow filtration device 4 to the storage tank 2. The inlet pipe B is provided with a circulation pump 3, which is used to drive the feed liquid to circulate between the storage tank 2, the inlet pipe B, the tangential flow filtration device 4 and the reflux pipe C. The interior of the tangential flow filtration device 4 is provided with a tangential flow filtration membrane package for filtering the feed liquid. Molecules in the feed liquid larger than the membrane pore size are retained on the membrane, while molecules smaller than the membrane pore size flow out with the feed liquid. The opening of the storage tank 2 is covered with a tank cover 5. The tank cover 5 is provided with a first interface 51, a second interface 52 and a third interface 53 that pass through the tank cover 5 and connect the inner and outer spaces of the storage tank 2; the tank cover 5 is also provided with a fourth interface 54 and a fifth interface 55 that pass through the tank cover 5, and the fourth interface 54 and the fifth interface 55 are connected at one end located inside the storage tank 2.

[0034] In this embodiment, the circulation pump 3 on the inlet pipe B is a peristaltic pump. The infusion device also includes a peristaltic pump 8 mounted on the infusion pipe A, which drives the liquid from the infusion bottle 1 to the storage tank 2. Both the inlet pipe B and the return pipe C are equipped with pressure gauges 9 for detecting the pressure within the corresponding pipes. It is understood that the circulation pump 3 can also be mounted on the return pipe C, or both the inlet pipe B and the return pipe C can be equipped with circulation pumps 3.

[0035] In this embodiment, the tangential flow filtration apparatus further includes a waste liquid tank 6. A drain pipe D is provided between the tangential flow filtration device 4 and the waste liquid tank 6, for conveying filtered waste liquid to the waste liquid tank 6. The interface connecting the inlet pipe B, the return pipe C, and the tangential flow filtration device 4 is located on one side of the tangential flow filtration membrane package, while the interface connecting the drain pipe D and the tangential flow filtration device 4 is located on the other side of the tangential flow filtration membrane package.

[0036] The tangential flow filtration device in this embodiment has a first working state and a second working state. Figure 3 In the first working state, the infusion tube A is connected to the first interface 51 through the peristaltic pump 8 to replenish the buffer solution in the storage tank 2; the inlet tube B is connected to the second interface 52 for the inlet of the filter end; the return tube C is connected to the third interface 53 for the return of the unfiltered liquid; the fourth interface 54 and the fifth interface 55 are connected to the air filter element at one end that is in contact with the outside air to balance the pressure and ensure the sterile environment in the storage tank 2. Figure 4In the second working state, the buffer replacement in the storage tank 2 has been completed, and the buffer needs to be used to top wash the liquid remaining in the liquid inlet pipe B, the return pipe C and the tangential flow filtration membrane package; at this time, the liquid infusion pipe A is connected to the fourth interface 54, and the liquid inlet pipe B is connected to the fifth interface 55, and the buffer in the liquid infusion bottle 1 can directly enter the liquid inlet pipe B; the return pipe C is connected to the third interface 53 for the backflow of unfiltered liquid; the ends of the first interface 51 and the second interface 52 that are connected to the external air are both connected to air filter elements for balancing the pressure.

[0037] Specifically, to facilitate the flow of liquid within the storage tank 2, the height difference between an opening of the first interface 51 within the storage tank 2 and the bottom wall of the storage tank 2 is greater than the height difference between an opening of the second interface 52 within the storage tank 2 and the bottom wall of the storage tank 2. For example, one end of the second interface 52 within the storage tank 2 extends into the bottom of the storage tank to allow liquid to be drawn out of the storage tank 2; alternatively, one end of the second interface 52 within the storage tank 2 is connected to an extension tube, which extends into the bottom of the storage tank 2 to allow liquid to be drawn out of the storage tank 2.

[0038] In summary, the tangential flow filtration device provided by the present invention can, while ensuring that the structure and position of the tangential flow filtration device remain unchanged, allow the infusion tube A connected to the infusion bottle 1 to be freely switched between the first interface 51 and the fourth interface 54 of the tank cover 5, and the liquid inlet tube B to be freely switched between the second interface 52 and the fifth interface 55 of the tank cover 5; after the liquid in the storage tank 2 is replaced by the liquid in the infusion bottle 1, the infusion tube A is switched to be connected to the fourth interface 54, and the liquid inlet tube B is switched to be connected to the fifth interface 55, and the liquid in the infusion bottle 1 can flow along the liquid inlet tube B, the tangential flow filtration device 4 and the return pipe C, thereby ejecting the remaining liquid in the liquid inlet tube B, the tangential flow filtration device 4 and the return pipe C into the storage tank 2, thereby maximizing the recovery rate of the liquid. At the same time, the unconnected interface is connected to the air filter element, and the air filter element is designed to ensure aseptic operation.

[0039] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples for clarity of explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation methods. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other variations or modifications based on the above descriptions are possible. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all implementation methods here. Obvious variations or modifications arising therefrom remain within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tangential flow filtration device, comprising a liquid replenishing device, a storage tank (2) and a tangential flow filtration device (4), wherein the liquid replenishing device is connected to the storage tank (2) so that liquid flows into the storage tank (2), an inlet pipe (B) for liquid to flow into the tangential flow filtration device (4) and a return pipe (C) for liquid to flow back to the storage tank (2) are provided between the tangential flow filtration device (4) and the storage tank (2), and a tank cover (5) is provided at the opening of the storage tank (2); and the characteristics are: The tank cover (5) is provided with a first interface (51), a second interface (52) and a third interface (53) which penetrate the tank cover (5) and communicate with the inner and outer spaces of the storage tank (2); the tank cover (5) is also provided with a fourth interface (54) and a fifth interface (55) which penetrate the tank cover (5); the fourth interface (54) and the fifth interface (55) are communicated with each other at one end located inside the storage tank (2); The tangential flow filtration device has a first working state and a second working state; In the first working state, the fluid replenishing device is connected to the first interface (51), the liquid inlet pipe (B) is connected to the second interface (52), and the return pipe (C) is connected to the third interface (53); the fourth interface (54) and the fifth interface (55) are connected to the outside air; In the second working state, the fluid replenishing device is connected to the fourth interface (54), the liquid inlet pipe (B) is connected to the fifth interface (55), and the return pipe (C) is connected to the third interface (53); the first interface (51) and the second interface (52) are connected to the outside air.

2. The tangential flow filtration device according to claim 1, characterized in that In the first working state, the fourth interface (54) and the fifth interface (55) are both connected to air filter elements.

3. The tangential flow filtration device according to claim 1, characterized in that In the second working state, both the first interface (51) and the second interface (52) are connected to air filter elements.

4. The tangential flow filtration device according to claim 1, characterized in that One end of the second interface (52) located in the storage tank (2) extends into the bottom of the storage tank (2) for drawing out the liquid in the storage tank (2); Alternatively, one end of the second interface (52) located inside the storage tank (2) is connected to an extension tube, and the extension tube extends into the bottom of the storage tank (2) for drawing out the liquid in the storage tank (2).

5. The tangential flow filtration device according to claim 1, characterized in that The fluid infusion device comprises a fluid infusion bottle (1) and a fluid infusion tube (A), wherein both ends of the fluid infusion tube (A) are respectively connected to the fluid infusion bottle (1) and the storage tank (2), so that the liquid in the fluid infusion bottle (1) flows to the storage tank (2).

6. The tangential flow filtration device according to claim 5, characterized in that The fluid infusion tube (A) is provided with a peristaltic pump (8).

7. The tangential flow filtration device according to claim 1, characterized in that The liquid inlet pipe (B) is provided with a circulation pump (3), and the circulation pump (3) is a peristaltic pump.

8. The tangential flow filtration device according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a waste liquid tank (6), and a drain pipe (D) is provided between the tangential flow filtering device (4) and the waste liquid tank (6) for allowing filtered waste liquid to flow to the waste liquid tank (6).

9. The tangential flow filtration device according to claim 8, characterized in that A tangential flow filtration membrane package is provided inside the tangential flow filtration device (4); an interface connecting the liquid inlet pipe (B) to the return pipe (C) and the tangential flow filtration device (4) is located on one side of the tangential flow filtration membrane package, and an interface connecting the liquid discharge pipe (D) to the tangential flow filtration device (4) is located on the other side of the tangential flow filtration membrane package.

10. The tangential flow filtration device according to claim 1, characterized in that The liquid inlet pipe (B) and the return pipe (C) are both provided with pressure gauges (9).

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