An external loop bioreactor

Abstract

This application discloses an external circulation bioreactor, relating to the field of bioreactor technology. It includes a culture tank, an external circulation mechanism installed outside the culture tank, and an internal circulation mechanism installed inside the culture tank. The culture tank has an inlet and an outlet. The external circulation mechanism includes a drive component connected to the outlet, a reflux pipe installed at the end of the drive component away from the outlet, and a flow rate sensor installed on the reflux pipe near the drive component. A high-velocity flow mechanism for uniform stirring in the culture tank is provided at the end of the reflux pipe away from the drive component. One end of the high-velocity flow mechanism is connected to the inlet, and the other end is connected to the reflux pipe. This application achieves better uniform stirring during biological culture through the internal and external circulation structures, thereby improving the quality of biological culture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of bioreactor technology, and in particular to an external circulation bioreactor. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of biological culture, the development of bioreactors is crucial, playing a key role in the cultivation of various organisms and the production of related biological products. With the continuous advancement of biotechnology, the performance and efficiency requirements for bioreactors are also increasing. Good stirring can create a more uniform biological culture environment, which is conducive to cell growth and metabolism, thereby improving the quality and yield of biological culture.

[0003] In the past, to achieve better biological culture results by stirring within bioreactors, the common method was internal stirring. This method uses a stirrer operating inside the bioreactor to create turbulence in the liquid, thereby achieving mixing and agitation. In addition, in some cases, external circulation is used, employing peristaltic pumps or other types of pumps to remove the liquid from the culture tank and then return it, in an attempt to create a more suitable biological culture environment.

[0004] However, existing internal stirring methods in bioreactors are affected by various factors such as the structure of the stirrer itself, making it difficult to effectively create an ideal turbulent effect. When using peristaltic pumps or similar devices for external circulation to control turbulence, their limited control capabilities also fail to meet the requirements of biological culture for a uniform environment, resulting in poor biological culture effects. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the problem that traditional methods of culturing organisms cannot achieve sufficient and uniform mixing, making it difficult to create turbulent flow and meet the requirements of a uniform environment for biological cultivation, resulting in suboptimal cultivation effects, this application provides an external circulation bioreactor.

[0006] The external circulation bioreactor provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An external circulation bioreactor includes a culture tank, an external circulation mechanism installed outside the culture tank, and an internal circulation mechanism installed inside the culture tank. The culture tank has an inlet and an outlet. The external circulation mechanism includes a drive component connected to the outlet, a reflux pipe installed at the end of the drive component away from the outlet, and a flow rate sensor installed on the reflux pipe near the drive component. A velocity flow mechanism for uniform stirring in the culture tank is provided at the end of the reflux pipe away from the drive component. One end of the velocity flow mechanism is connected to the inlet, and the other end of the velocity flow mechanism is connected to the end of the reflux pipe away from the drive component.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the internal and external circulation functions of the external circulation bioreactor are realized. The external circulation mechanism allows the culture medium to flow out from the outlet of the culture tank, and then return to the inlet of the culture tank through the drive component, the return pipe, and the velocity flow mechanism. The flow rate sensor can monitor the flow rate, and the velocity flow mechanism helps to stir the liquid in the culture tank evenly.

[0009] Optionally, the flow mechanism includes a flow divider, a unit plate structure, and a control valve. The end of the flow divider is connected to the inlet, and the end of the flow divider away from the inlet is connected to the return pipe. The unit plate structure is rotatably arranged inside the flow divider, and the control valve is installed at the end of the return pipe near the flow divider.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, an external circulation bioreactor is formed by a culture tank, an external circulation mechanism, and an internal circulation mechanism. With the help of a drive component, the liquid flows out of the culture tank outlet and flows through the return pipe. The flow rate is monitored by a flow velocity sensor. By setting a velocity flow mechanism including a diversion pipe, a unit plate structure, and a control valve between the return pipe and the inlet, the liquid can be transported back to the culture tank to achieve uniform stirring. The flow rate can be controlled by adjusting the control valve. The rotating unit plate structure arranged in the diversion pipe also helps the liquid flow and stirring.

[0011] Optionally, the drive component is any one of a peristaltic pump, a centrifugal pump, and a gear pump.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solutions, the normal operation of the drive components is ensured, the bioreactor can achieve external circulation function, and power is provided for the circulation of liquid in the culture tank.

[0013] Optionally, the unit plate structure includes a rotating shaft, a rotating ring, and a plate body component. The rotating ring is threaded onto both ends of the rotating shaft, the plate body component is fixed on the rotating shaft, and the rotating ring rotates on the diverter pipe.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the liquid in the culture tank flows out from the outlet, passes through the drive component and the return pipe, and enters the diversion pipe of the high-velocity flow mechanism. Because the unit plate structure consists of a rotating shaft with a rotating ring and plate components fixed on the rotating shaft, and the rotating ring rotates on the diversion pipe, the liquid can flow better in the diversion pipe and mix with the liquid in the culture tank, which is beneficial to the uniform stirring in the culture tank. At the same time, the angle of the plate components can be adjusted by rotating the rotating ring as needed to adapt to different stirring conditions. It is also convenient to disassemble the rotating ring to clean and maintain the unit plate structure, ensuring the stable operation of the bioreactor.

[0015] Optionally, the inner diameter of the diversion pipe is larger than the inner diameter of the return pipe, and the outer diameter of the swivel ring is larger than the inner diameter of the return pipe.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the flow state of the liquid in the diversion pipe and the rotating ring can be kept stable and reasonable, which is conducive to more efficient external circulation and further improves the uniformity of stirring in the culture tank.

[0017] Optionally, the sheet structure can be any one of spiral, mesh, or tubular.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, it is beneficial to stirring and conveying, and to enhance the uniformity of mixing in the culture tank.

[0019] Optionally, a regulating valve is provided on one end of the return pipe near the drive component.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the flow rate of the fluid in the return pipe can be adjusted, and the speed and flow rate of material circulation can be controlled.

[0021] Optionally, the diversion pipe is a three-way pipe, a four-way pipe, or a two-way pipe.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solutions, a suitable flow distribution structure can be flexibly selected to adapt to different usage scenarios and needs, and the fluid flow can be guided more effectively, making the stirring in the culture tank more thorough and reasonable.

[0023] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0024] 1. By using external and internal circulation mechanisms in conjunction with a high-speed flow mechanism, the culture medium in the culture tank can be stirred evenly, solving the problems of dead zones and uneven distribution of culture medium that are easy to occur in traditional stirring devices;

[0025] 2. The driving components of the external circulation mechanism drive the circulation of culture materials, which can improve circulation speed and efficiency compared to the natural flow method relying on gravity, and meet the needs of large-scale production;

[0026] 3. A flow rate sensor and regulating valve are installed on the reflux tube, which can effectively monitor and regulate the flow rate of the culture medium, accurately control the circulation process, and help maintain a good growth environment for the culture medium. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure shown in this application.

[0029] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure shown in this application.

[0030] Figure 3 This application demonstrates Figure 2 A magnified view from direction A.

[0031] Reference numerals: 1. Culture tank; 2. External circulation mechanism; 3. Inlet; 4. Outlet; 21. Drive component; 22. Return pipe; 23. Flow sensor; 5. Velocity mechanism; 51. Diverter pipe; 52. Unit plate structure; 53. Control valve; 521. Rotating shaft; 522. Rotating ring; 523. Plate component; 6. Regulating valve. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 3 This application will be described in further detail.

[0033] This application discloses an external circulation bioreactor.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 The system includes a culture tank 1, an external circulation mechanism 2, and an internal circulation mechanism. The external circulation mechanism 2 is installed outside the culture tank 1, while the internal circulation mechanism is installed inside the culture tank 1. The internal circulation mechanism is a conventional existing stirring structure, and therefore will not be described in this application or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The combination of internal and external circulation allows for better circulation and mixing of the culture medium, which is more efficient and stable than the traditional single method. The external circulation mechanism 2 draws the culture medium out from the output port 4 of the culture tank 1, processes it, and then returns it from the input port 3. The internal circulation mechanism further promotes mixing inside the culture tank 1. The two mechanisms work together to effectively avoid the problems of dead zones in stirring and slow circulation speed.

[0035] See Figure 2 As shown, the culture tank 1 has an inlet 3 and an outlet 4, which are the channels for the culture medium to enter and exit the culture tank 1 and participate in the external circulation. The external circulation mechanism 2 includes a drive component 21, a return pipe 22, and a flow rate sensor 23. The drive component 21 is connected to the outlet 4, and its function is to provide power for the circulation of the culture medium, allowing the culture medium to flow out from the outlet 4 of the culture tank 1. The drive component 21 can be any one of a peristaltic pump, a centrifugal pump, and a gear pump. A peristaltic pump drives fluid flow by squeezing a hose, which has good sealing and stability and can prevent the culture medium from leaking and being contaminated. In this embodiment, a peristaltic pump is used as the drive. The return pipe 22 is installed at the end of the drive component 21 away from the outlet 4. It is the pipe through which the culture medium flows back to the culture tank 1. The flow rate sensor 23 is installed on the return pipe 22 near the drive component 21 to monitor the flow rate of the culture medium in the return pipe 22 in real time, so as to accurately control the circulation process.

[0036] See Figure 3 As shown, a high-speed flow mechanism 5 is provided at the end of the return pipe 22 away from the drive component 21. One end of the high-speed flow mechanism 5 is connected to the input port 3, and the other end is connected to the end of the return pipe 22 away from the drive component 21. The high-speed flow mechanism 5 includes a diversion pipe 51, a unit plate structure 52, and a control valve 53. The end of the diversion pipe 51 is connected to the input port 3, and the end away from the input port 3 is connected to the return pipe 22. The diversion pipe 51 can be a three-way pipe, a four-way pipe, or a two-way pipe. A three-way pipe can realize the diversion function of one input and two outputs. A four-way pipe can be used for a more complex diversion layout. A two-way pipe is simpler and more direct. The appropriate type of diversion pipe 51 can be selected according to the actual circulation requirements. Specifically, a four-way pipe is used in this embodiment.

[0037] See Figure 3 As shown, the unit plate structure 52 is rotatably arranged inside the diversion pipe 51. It includes a rotating shaft 521, a rotating ring 522, and a plate component 523. The rotating ring 522 is threaded onto both ends of the rotating shaft 521, and the plate component 523 is fixed on the rotating shaft 521. The rotating ring 522 rotates on the diversion pipe 51. The plate structure can be any of the following: spiral, mesh, or tubular. The spiral plate structure can propel the culture medium like a propeller when rotating, enhancing the mixing effect; the mesh plate structure can increase the flow resistance of the culture medium, creating turbulence and promoting mixing; the tubular plate structure can guide the culture medium to flow along a specific path. A control valve 53 is installed at one end of the return pipe 22 near the diversion pipe 51 to control the flow rate of the culture medium entering the high-speed flow mechanism 5.

[0038] The inner diameter of the diversion pipe 51 is larger than that of the return pipe 22, and the outer diameter of the rotating ring 522 is larger than that of the return pipe 22. This causes a change in the flow rate of the liquid in the culture tank 1 when it enters the diversion pipe 51 from the return pipe 22, thus affecting the mixing effect of the culture medium. When the culture medium flows through the unit plate structure 52, the rotation of the plate component 523 will drive the flow of the culture medium, further promoting mixing. The control valve 53 can adjust the flow rate according to the actual situation, so that the culture medium can flow into the culture tank 1 more evenly.

[0039] The unit plate structure 52 in the high-velocity flow mechanism 5 can adopt other similar rotating structures, such as a blade-type structure. This blade-type structure includes a central shaft and multiple blades mounted on the central shaft. The blades are inclined on the central shaft, and when the culture medium flows through, they drive the blades to rotate around the central shaft, thus promoting the flow and mixing of the culture medium. During installation, the central shaft can be mounted inside the distributor pipe 51 via bearings, making the rotation smoother.

[0040] The blade-type structure can also achieve stirring and mixing of the culture medium. The blades of the blade-type structure rotate under the push of the culture medium, causing the surrounding culture medium to form a vortex flow, which enhances the mixing effect. The blade-type structure is relatively simple, easy to install and maintain, and has certain advantages in some scenarios with high cost and maintenance requirements. It is also an optimization and improvement of the existing external circulation bioreactor velocity flow mechanism 5, which can play a good role in different application scenarios and meet diverse needs.

[0041] The implementation principle of an external circulation bioreactor according to an embodiment of this application is as follows: through the coordinated work of the external circulation mechanism 2 and the internal circulation mechanism, efficient circulation and mixing of the culture medium are achieved. The drive component 21 provides power for circulation, and the flow rate sensor 23 monitors the flow rate in real time, which facilitates precise control of the circulation process. The diversion pipe 51, the unit plate structure 52 and the control valve 53 in the velocity flow mechanism 5 cooperate with each other to more evenly transport the liquid in the culture tank 1 back to the culture tank 1, avoiding the problems of uneven stirring and slow circulation speed in the traditional method, improving the mixing effect and circulation efficiency of the culture medium, and providing a better growth environment for biological reaction. Compared with the traditional bioreactor, it has been significantly improved and enhanced, and can better meet the needs of production.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," "third," and similar terms used in this application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. The terms "an" or "a" and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" or "including" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. "Above," "below," "left," "right," etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0043] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An external loop bioreactor characterized by: The system includes a culture tank (1), an external circulation mechanism (2) installed outside the culture tank (1), and an internal circulation mechanism installed inside the culture tank (1). The culture tank (1) has an inlet (3) and an outlet (4). The external circulation mechanism (2) includes a drive component (21) connected to the outlet (4), a reflux pipe (22) installed at the end of the drive component (21) away from the outlet (4), and a flow rate sensor (23) installed on the reflux pipe (22) near the drive component (21). A high-speed flow mechanism (5) for stirring the culture tank (1) evenly is provided at the end of the reflux pipe (22) away from the drive component (21). One end of the high-speed flow mechanism (5) is connected to the inlet (3), and the other end of the high-speed flow mechanism (5) is connected to the end of the reflux pipe (22) away from the drive component (21).

2. An external loop bioreactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow mechanism (5) includes a flow divider (51), a unit plate structure (52), and a control valve (53). The end of the flow divider (51) is connected to the inlet (3), and the end of the flow divider (51) away from the inlet (3) is connected to the return pipe (22). The unit plate structure (52) is rotatably arranged inside the flow divider (51), and the control valve (53) is installed at the end of the return pipe (22) near the flow divider (51).

3. The external loop bioreactor according to claim 1, wherein: The drive component (21) is any one of a peristaltic pump, a centrifugal pump, and a gear pump.

4. An external loop bioreactor according to claim 2, wherein: The unit plate structure (52) includes a rotating shaft (521), a rotating ring (522) and a plate body component (523). The rotating ring (522) is threaded onto both ends of the rotating shaft (521), the plate body component (523) is fixed on the rotating shaft (521), and the rotating ring (522) rotates on the diversion pipe (51).

5. An external loop bioreactor according to claim 4, wherein: The inner diameter of the diversion pipe (51) is larger than the inner diameter of the return pipe (22), and the outer diameter of the swivel ring (522) is larger than the inner diameter of the return pipe (22).

6. An external loop bioreactor according to claim 4, wherein: The sheet structure can be any one of spiral, mesh, or tubular.

7. The external circulation bioreactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: A regulating valve (6) is provided on one end of the return pipe (22) near the drive component (21).

8. The external circulation bioreactor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The diversion pipe (51) is a three-way pipe, a four-way pipe, or a two-way pipe.

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