Gas circuit assembly, alternate tangential flow device and perfusion system

Abstract

The utility model provides a gas circuit assembly, an alternate tangential flow device and a perfusion system, and relates to the technical field of biological treatment and pharmacy, the gas circuit assembly provided by the utility model comprises a negative pressure container, a control device, a first vacuum pump and at least one second vacuum pump, the negative pressure container is provided with a negative pressure output pipeline; the first vacuum pump and the at least one second vacuum pump are in fluid communication with the negative pressure container through gas pipelines; and the control device is connected with the negative pressure container and controls the at least one second vacuum pump to start when the internal pressure of the negative pressure container exceeds a preset value. The negative pressure state in the negative pressure container can be ensured to be stable and continuous when the power of the first vacuum pump is insufficient or the first vacuum pump is shut down due to failure, the negative pressure suction device is particularly suitable for providing negative pressure suction for a plurality of ATF system assemblies, and the reliability of the alternate tangential flow device can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the fields of biological treatment and pharmaceutical technology, and in particular to a gas path component, an alternating tangential flow device and an perfusion system. Background Technology

[0002] During the operation of an Alternating Tangential Flow (ATF) apparatus, air is supplied and removed using a vacuum to achieve the reciprocating motion of the diaphragm. This motion causes the cell supernatant within the hollow fiber column to flow out through the filter membrane, while cells are retained on the inner side of the membrane, thus achieving the purpose of harvesting the target protein or discarding the culture medium. Typically, a single vacuum pump is used to simultaneously provide negative pressure suction for multiple perfusion systems via a manifold interface. This poses a risk of insufficient negative pressure power. Furthermore, if the vacuum pump overheats or malfunctions and shuts down, it can cause abnormal operation of the connected ATF equipment, affecting cell or other culture growth, resulting in product and cell loss, and potentially leading to the failure of the entire experiment. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a gas path component, an alternating tangential flow device, and a perfusion system to alleviate the technical problem that a single vacuum pump cannot ensure a stable and continuous negative pressure condition.

[0004] In a first aspect, the gas path assembly provided by this utility model includes: a negative pressure container, a control device, a first vacuum pump, and at least one second vacuum pump;

[0005] The negative pressure container has a negative pressure output pipeline;

[0006] The first vacuum pump and at least one of the second vacuum pumps are respectively connected to the negative pressure container via gas pipelines;

[0007] The controller is connected to the negative pressure container and controls at least one of the second vacuum pumps to start when the pressure inside the negative pressure container exceeds a preset value.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, this utility model provides a first possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the control device includes a pressure control valve, and the fluid pipeline of the pressure control valve is connected to the negative pressure container;

[0009] Furthermore, the pressure control valve has a first contact for connecting to a power source and a second contact for connecting to the second vacuum pump;

[0010] When the pressure inside the negative pressure container is less than or equal to the preset value, the first contact and the second contact are in an open circuit state.

[0011] When the pressure inside the negative pressure container is greater than the preset value, the valve core of the pressure control valve will connect the first contact and the second contact.

[0012] In conjunction with the first possible implementation of the first aspect, the present invention provides a second possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the pressure control valve and the second vacuum pump are respectively provided in multiple forms;

[0013] The plurality of pressure control valves are respectively connected to the negative pressure container, and the plurality of pressure control valves control the power supply to the plurality of second vacuum pumps in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, this utility model provides a third possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the control device includes: a pressure sensor, a solenoid valve, and a controller;

[0015] The pressure sensor is connected to the negative pressure container to detect the internal pressure of the negative pressure container;

[0016] The solenoid valve is connected to the circuit breaker in the power supply line of the second vacuum pump, and the pressure sensor and the solenoid valve are respectively connected to the controller.

[0017] In conjunction with the third possible implementation of the first aspect, this utility model provides a fourth possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the solenoid valve and the second vacuum pump are each provided with a plurality of components;

[0018] Each of the aforementioned solenoid valves is connected in a one-to-one transmission to a power switch in the power supply line of the second vacuum pump.

[0019] Secondly, the alternating tangential flow device provided by this utility model includes: an air supply assembly, a control assembly, an ATF system assembly, and an air path assembly described in the first aspect;

[0020] The air supply component and the negative pressure output pipeline are respectively connected to the control component, and the control component is in fluid communication with the diaphragm pump of the ATF system component.

[0021] In conjunction with the second aspect, the present invention provides a first possible implementation of the second aspect, wherein the ATF system component includes: a housing and a hollow fiber filter element installed within the housing;

[0022] The diaphragm pump is installed at the bottom of the cavity shell, and a gap cavity is formed between the inner wall of the cavity shell and the hollow fiber filter element.

[0023] In conjunction with the second aspect, this utility model provides a second possible implementation of the second aspect, wherein multiple control components and multiple ATF system components are provided, and each control component is connected to one or two ATF system components.

[0024] Thirdly, the perfusion system provided by this utility model includes: a culture medium module, a supernatant collection module, a reactor module, and the alternating tangential flow device described in the above embodiments; the culture medium module is connected to the reactor module, the reactor module is in fluid communication with the pre-filtration chamber of the ATF system component, and the supernatant collection module is in fluid communication with the supernatant outlet of the ATF system component.

[0025] In conjunction with the third aspect, the perfusion system also includes a cell release module, which is in fluid communication with the reactor module.

[0026] The present invention provides the following beneficial effects: a negative pressure container with a negative pressure output pipeline is used, and a first vacuum pump and at least one second vacuum pump are respectively connected to the negative pressure container through gas pipelines. The controller is connected to the negative pressure container and controls at least one second vacuum pump to start when the internal pressure of the negative pressure container exceeds a preset value. This can ensure a stable and continuous negative pressure state inside the negative pressure container when the power of the first vacuum pump is insufficient or it fails to shut down. It is especially suitable for providing negative pressure suction for multiple ATF system components and can improve the reliability of the alternating tangential flow device.

[0027] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments or related technologies of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first type of gas path assembly provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a second type of gas path assembly provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a third type of gas path assembly provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the irrigation system provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0033] Icons: 001 - Negative pressure container; 101 - Negative pressure output pipeline; 102 - Gas pipeline; 002 - Controller; 003 - First vacuum pump; 004 - Second vacuum pump; 005 - Air supply assembly; 006 - Control assembly; 007 - ATF system assembly; 008 - Culture medium module; 009 - Cell release module; 010 - Supernatant collection module; 011 - Reactor module. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0035] 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 the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do 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 on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are only used to describe differences in name and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Physical quantities in formulas, unless otherwise specified, should be understood as basic quantities of the International System of Units (SI) base units, or derived quantities derived from basic quantities through mathematical operations such as multiplication, division, differentiation, or integration.

[0036] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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 utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the gas path assembly provided in this embodiment of the present invention includes: a negative pressure container 001, a controller 002, a first vacuum pump 003, and at least one second vacuum pump 004; the negative pressure container 001 has a negative pressure output pipeline 101; the first vacuum pump 003 and at least one second vacuum pump 004 are respectively fluidly connected to the negative pressure container 001 through the gas pipeline 102; the controller 002 is connected to the negative pressure container 001 and controls at least one second vacuum pump 004 to start when the internal pressure of the negative pressure container 001 exceeds a preset value.

[0038] During operation, the first vacuum pump 003 starts to create a low-pressure state inside the negative pressure container 001, providing negative pressure suction to the ATF system components through the negative pressure output line 101. When the first vacuum pump 003 malfunctions or stops, the controller 002 can control at least one second vacuum pump 004 to start. Furthermore, as the number of second vacuum pumps 004 starts increases, the internal pressure of the negative pressure container 001 can be further reduced until the requirement is met, thus ensuring the stable and reliable negative pressure suction function of the negative pressure output line 101.

[0039] In one optional embodiment, the control device 002 includes a pressure control valve, the fluid line of which is connected to the negative pressure container 001; and the pressure control valve has a first contact for connecting to a power source and a second contact for connecting to a second vacuum pump 004; when the internal pressure of the negative pressure container 001 is less than or equal to a preset value, the first contact and the second contact are in an open circuit state; when the internal pressure of the negative pressure container 001 is greater than the preset value, the valve core of the pressure control valve connects the first contact and the second contact. The pressure control valve uses a spring to reset the valve core. When the air pressure inside the negative pressure container 001 is low and less than or equal to a preset value, the pressure difference on both sides of the valve core and the combined force of the spring can move the valve core to a position away from the first or second contact, thus breaking the circuit between the first and second contacts. When the air pressure inside the negative pressure container 001 rises to a value greater than the preset value, the pressure difference on both sides of the valve core is insufficient to counteract the spring force, and the spring can drive the valve core to move until both the first and second contacts are in contact with the valve core, thus connecting the first and second contacts through the valve core. When the first and second contacts are in an open circuit state, the second vacuum pump 004 is not powered on and is in a stopped state. When the first and second contacts are connected, the second vacuum pump 004 is powered on and starts to reduce the air pressure inside the negative pressure container 001.

[0040] Furthermore, multiple pressure control valves and multiple second vacuum pumps 004 are provided respectively; multiple pressure control valves are respectively connected to negative pressure container 001, and multiple pressure control valves control the power supply of multiple second vacuum pumps 004 one by one.

[0041] Each second vacuum pump 004 has a power line connected in series with a first contact and a second contact. Multiple pressure control valves control the power lines of each second vacuum pump 004 to switch on and off, thereby controlling the start and stop of multiple second vacuum pumps 004. By starting more second vacuum pumps 004, the internal pressure of the negative pressure container 001 can be reduced until the internal pressure of the negative pressure container 001 is less than or equal to a preset value.

[0042] In another optional embodiment, the control device 002 includes: a pressure sensor, a solenoid valve, and a controller; the pressure sensor is connected to the negative pressure container 001 to detect the internal pressure of the negative pressure container 001; the solenoid valve is electrically connected to the power supply line of the second vacuum pump 004, and the pressure sensor and the solenoid valve are respectively connected to the controller.

[0043] When the first vacuum pump 003 is operating well and the internal pressure of the negative pressure container 001 is less than or equal to a preset value, the controller controls the solenoid valve to remain in the state of keeping the second vacuum pump 004 de-energized; when the internal pressure of the negative pressure container 001 is greater than the preset value, the controller controls the solenoid valve to close the circuit breaker in the power supply line of the second vacuum pump 004, thereby starting the second vacuum pump 004 to reduce the internal pressure of the negative pressure container 001.

[0044] Furthermore, multiple solenoid valves and multiple second vacuum pumps 004 are provided; the multiple solenoid valves are connected one-to-one with the circuit breakers in the power supply lines of the multiple second vacuum pumps 004. When the internal pressure of the negative pressure container 001 is detected to be greater than the preset value, the number of activated second vacuum pumps 004 can be gradually increased until the internal pressure of the negative pressure container 001 is less than or equal to the preset value.

[0045] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the alternating tangential flow device provided in this embodiment of the present invention includes: an air supply component 005, a control component 006, an ATF system component 007, and an air path component described in the first aspect; the air supply component 005 and the negative pressure output pipeline 101 are respectively connected to the control component 006, and the control component 006 is in fluid communication with the diaphragm pump of the ATF system component 007.

[0046] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can understand the term "diaphragm" as an elastic component used to isolate the culture medium, and it can also be used interchangeably with the term "diaphragm pump".

[0047] The control component 006 is configured as a multi-pass structure to divert airflow and control the on / off state of the flow path according to a preset frequency. The air supply component 005 can use an air pump to provide power for air supply, and can also add filters in the air path to ensure air cleanliness.

[0048] In this embodiment of the present invention, the ATF system component 007 includes: a cavity shell and a hollow fiber column installed inside the cavity shell; a diaphragm pump is installed at the bottom of the cavity shell, and a gap cavity is formed between the inner wall of the cavity shell and the hollow fiber column.

[0049] When air is introduced into the diaphragm pump, the diaphragm is lifted to drive the liquid in the hollow fiber column cavity to flow away from the diaphragm pump. When the air is blocked and the negative pressure output line 101 is connected to the diaphragm pump through the control component 006, the membrane is drawn to make the liquid in the hollow fiber column cavity flow towards the diaphragm pump. By switching at a certain frequency, the cell culture medium in the hollow fiber column cavity can move up and down reciprocally. During the process, the supernatant can pass through the hollow fiber column into the interstitial cavity, while the cells are retained in the hollow fiber column cavity. In the next reciprocating motion, the cells can be exchanged back into the supernatant collection module 010.

[0050] Furthermore, multiple control components 006 and ATF system components 007 are provided, with each control component 006 connected to one or two ATF system components 007.

[0051] The above-mentioned gas path components can provide negative pressure suction for multiple ATF system components 007 at the same time. Therefore, multiple control components 006 need to be configured. The number of ATF system components 007 corresponding to a single control component 006 shall not exceed two, so as to avoid the large number of cultures being affected due to the failure of a single control component 006.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the perfusion system provided in this embodiment includes: a culture medium module 008, a cell discharge module 009, a supernatant collection module 010, a reactor module 011, and the alternating tangential flow device described in the above embodiment; the culture medium module 008 is connected to the reactor module 011, the cell discharge module 009 is fluidly connected to the reactor module 011, the reactor module 011 is fluidly connected to the pre-filtration chamber of the ATF system component 007, and the supernatant collection module 010 is fluidly connected to the supernatant outlet of the ATF system component 007.

[0053] The culture medium module 008, cell release module 009, and supernatant collection module 010 each include a storage container, a peristaltic pump, and piping connecting the storage container to the reactor module 011. The reactor module 011 includes a bioreactor with stirring and mixing functions, along with corresponding piping and fittings. By pumping in fresh culture medium, pumping out excess culture, and collecting the supernatant, the reactor module maintains stable operation. It should be noted that the cell release module 009 can be adjusted or eliminated depending on the specific process requirements.

[0054] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A pneumatic circuit assembly, characterized in that, include: The negative pressure container (001), the control device (002), the first vacuum pump (003), and at least one second vacuum pump (004); The negative pressure container (001) has a negative pressure output pipeline (101); The first vacuum pump (003) and at least one of the second vacuum pumps (004) are respectively fluidly connected to the negative pressure container (001) through gas pipelines (102); The controller (002) is connected to the negative pressure container (001) and controls at least one of the second vacuum pumps (004) to start when the pressure inside the negative pressure container (001) exceeds a preset value.

2. The gas path assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device (002) includes a pressure control valve, the fluid line of which is connected to the negative pressure container (001); Furthermore, the pressure control valve has a first contact for connecting to a power source and a second contact for connecting to the second vacuum pump (004); When the pressure inside the negative pressure container (001) is less than or equal to the preset value, the first contact and the second contact are in an open circuit state. When the pressure inside the negative pressure container (001) is greater than the preset value, the valve core of the pressure control valve will connect the first contact with the second contact.

3. The gas path assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure control valve and the second vacuum pump (004) are each provided with multiple valves; The pressure control valves are connected to the negative pressure container (001) respectively, and the pressure control valves control the power supply of the second vacuum pumps (004) one by one.

4. The gas path assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device (002) includes: a pressure sensor, a solenoid valve, and a controller; The pressure sensor is connected to the negative pressure container (001) to detect the internal pressure of the negative pressure container (001); The solenoid valve is connected to the power supply circuit of the second vacuum pump (004) via a switch, and the pressure sensor and the solenoid valve are respectively connected to the controller.

5. The gas path assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The solenoid valve and the second vacuum pump (004) are each provided with multiple units; The multiple solenoid valves are connected one-to-one with the power switches in the power supply lines of the multiple second vacuum pumps (004).

6. An alternating tangential flow device, characterized in that, include: Air supply assembly (005), control assembly (006), ATF system assembly (007), and the air path assembly according to any one of claims 1-5; The air supply assembly (005) and the negative pressure output line (101) are respectively connected to the control assembly (006), and the control assembly (006) is in fluid communication with the diaphragm pump of the ATF system assembly (007).

7. The alternating tangential flow device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The ATF system component (007) includes: a housing and a hollow fiber filter element installed within the housing; The diaphragm pump is installed at the bottom of the cavity shell, and a gap cavity is formed between the inner wall of the cavity shell and the hollow fiber filter element.

8. The alternating tangential flow device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Multiple control components (006) and multiple ATF system components (007) are provided, and each control component (006) is connected to one or two ATF system components (007).

9. An irrigation system, characterized in that, include: Culture medium module (008), supernatant collection module (010), reactor module (011), and the alternating tangential flow device according to any one of claims 6-8; The culture medium module (008) is connected to the reactor module (011), the reactor module (011) is in fluid communication with the pre-filtration chamber of the ATF system component (007), and the supernatant collection module (010) is in fluid communication with the supernatant outlet of the ATF system component (007).

10. The irrigation system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The perfusion system also includes a cell release module (009), which is in fluid communication with the reactor module (011).

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