A tangential flow ultrafiltration concentrator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a tangential flow ultrafiltration concentration appearance belongs to biological detection equipment technical field, including shell and set up on the liquid inlet pipe of shell, stock solution inlet, concentrated solution pipe, concentrated solution export, permeate export, diaphragm pump, T type three -way, pressure sensor, membrane package and back pressure pump, liquid inlet pipe one end inserts stock solution bucket, and the other end is connected to stock solution inlet, and stock solution inlet is connected to the inlet of diaphragm pump through the pipeline, and the outlet of diaphragm pump is connected to the inlet of T type three -way, and the first outlet of T type three -way is connected to pressure sensor, and the second outlet is connected to the inlet of membrane package, the utility model discloses need not heating or chemical treatment, has kept the biological activity of sample such as escherichia coli, protein, further, through back pressure pump accurate control permeate flow rate, prevent filter membrane initial penetration, has improved separation efficiency, and the overall degree of automation is high, and the overall structure is compact, is applicable to laboratory and small -scale production, has good popularization and application value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biological detection equipment technology, and in particular to a tangential flow ultrafiltration concentrator. Background Technology

[0002] In the rapid development of biopharmaceuticals, life science research, and in vitro diagnostics, the gentle and efficient concentration and separation of biological samples (such as proteins, enzymes, antibodies, viruses, or cell cultures) is a crucial fundamental operational step. These samples typically exhibit significant bioactivity dependence, with their function highly dependent on the integrity of the spatial structure of macromolecules and the stability of their native conformations. Therefore, maintaining the bioactivity of the target product during concentration and separation is one of the core technical requirements. Simultaneously, with the increasing demand for process scale-up and high-throughput screening, higher requirements are being placed on the efficiency, throughput, and precision of the final product concentration control during the concentration process.

[0003] Traditional sample concentration and separation methods suffer from several drawbacks. First, some techniques rely on heating and evaporation or the addition of chemical precipitants. These processes, which introduce additional energy or substances, can easily disrupt the spatial structure of biomolecules, leading to protein denaturation or cell inactivation, making it difficult to meet the stringent requirements of biological experiments and production processes demanding high sample activity. Second, traditional methods have limited concentration efficiency, making it difficult to achieve controllable and high-fold concentrations. Applications requiring high target product concentrations often necessitate repeated processing, which is not only time-consuming but also increases the risk of sample loss or contamination. The procedures are cumbersome and demand a high level of expertise from the operators.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a tangential flow ultrafiltration concentrator to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tangential flow ultrafiltration concentrator to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution to the aforementioned technical problems: a tangential flow ultrafiltration concentrator, comprising a housing and an inlet pipe, a raw liquid inlet, a concentrated liquid outlet, a concentrated liquid pipe connected to the concentrated liquid outlet, a permeate outlet, a waste liquid pipe connected to the permeate outlet, a diaphragm pump, a T-junction, a pressure sensor, a membrane pack, and a back pressure pump disposed on the housing; one end of the inlet pipe is inserted into the raw liquid tank, and the other end is connected to the raw liquid inlet; the raw liquid inlet is connected to the inlet of the diaphragm pump via a pipeline; the outlet of the diaphragm pump is connected to the inlet of the T-junction; the first outlet of the T-junction is connected to the pressure sensor, and the second outlet is connected to the inlet of the membrane pack; the concentrated liquid end of the membrane pack is connected to the concentrated liquid outlet and returns to the raw liquid tank via the concentrated liquid pipe; the permeate end of the membrane pack is connected to the back pressure pump; the outlet of the back pressure pump is connected to the permeate outlet and is connected to the waste liquid tank via the waste liquid pipe.

[0007] As a further embodiment of this utility model, a first liquid sensor, a second liquid sensor, and a third liquid sensor are respectively provided at the raw liquid inlet, the concentrated liquid outlet, and the permeate outlet.

[0008] As a further embodiment of this invention, the first outlet of the T-shaped tee is directly connected to a pressure sensor for real-time detection of the membrane inlet pressure.

[0009] As a further embodiment of this invention, the back pressure pump is connected to the permeate end of the membrane pack to control the permeate flow rate, thereby controlling concentration polarization, preventing initial membrane penetration and delaying membrane blockage.

[0010] As a further embodiment of this invention, the diaphragm pump and the back pressure pump are electrically connected to a touch screen and a main control board for adjusting their flow rates.

[0011] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the outer casing is provided with a power switch and a power socket.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0013] 1. The feed solution is drawn from the feed solution tank into the feed solution inlet through the inlet pipe and pumped into the system by the diaphragm pump. The diaphragm pump provides stable fluid dynamics, causing the feed solution to flow tangentially through the membrane pack. The feed solution first passes through a T-shaped tee, one path of which is connected to a pressure sensor to monitor the system pressure in real time and ensure that the operation is within a safe range; the other path enters the membrane pack, which is the core component of ultrafiltration. Its filter membrane retains large molecules such as proteins and cells according to molecular weight, while allowing small molecules such as water and salts to pass through as permeate. The permeate is discharged to the waste liquid tank after the flow rate is controlled by the back pressure pump, while the concentrated solution... The concentrated solution is returned to the original solution tank for further circulation and concentration until the predetermined concentration is reached. This invention employs a tangential flow design, which delays membrane clogging and extends equipment life. Secondly, it eliminates the need for heating or chemical treatment, preserving the biological activity of samples such as E. coli and proteins. Furthermore, precise control of the permeate flow rate via a back-pressure pump prevents initial membrane penetration, delaying clogging and improving separation efficiency. The overall system is highly automated, simple to operate, reduces human error, and has a compact structure, making it suitable for laboratory and small-scale production, and possessing significant potential for widespread application.

[0014] 2. This invention uses tangential flow filtration to make the sample liquid flow at high speed parallel to the membrane surface. This flow mode generates strong shear force, which can continuously wash the membrane surface, effectively removing trapped macromolecules or particles from the membrane surface, thereby significantly reducing concentration polarization and membrane fouling, maintaining a relatively stable filtration rate, and extending the service life of the filter membrane. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the shell of this utility model.

[0018] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0019] 1. Inlet pipe; 2. Raw material inlet; 4. Concentrate pipe; 5. Concentrate outlet; 7. Permeate outlet; 9. Diaphragm pump; 10. T-shaped tee; 11. Pressure sensor; 12. Membrane pack; 13. Back pressure pump; 14. First liquid sensor; 15. Second liquid sensor; 16. Third liquid sensor; 17. Touch screen; 18. Main control board; 19. Power switch; 20. Power socket; 21. Housing; 22. Waste liquid pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments.

[0021] Please see Figure 1-2 This utility model provides a tangential flow ultrafiltration concentrator, including a housing 21 and an inlet pipe 1, a feed liquid inlet 2, a concentrate outlet 5, a concentrate pipe 4 connected to the concentrate outlet 5, a permeate outlet 7, a waste liquid pipe 22 connected to the permeate outlet 7, a diaphragm pump 9, a T-shaped tee 10, a pressure sensor 11, a membrane pack 12, and a back pressure pump 13 disposed on the housing 21. One end of the inlet pipe 1 is inserted into the feed liquid tank, and the other end is connected to the feed liquid inlet 2. The feed liquid inlet 2 is connected to the inlet of the diaphragm pump 9 through a pipeline, and the outlet of the diaphragm pump 9 is connected to the inlet of the T-shaped tee 10. The first outlet of the T-shaped tee 10 is connected to the pressure sensor 11, and the second outlet is connected to the inlet of the membrane pack 12. The concentrate end of the membrane pack 12 is connected to the concentrate outlet 5 and returns to the feed tank through the concentrate pipe 4. The permeate end of the membrane pack 12 is connected to the back pressure pump 13, and the outlet of the back pressure pump 13 is connected to the permeate outlet 7 and connected to the waste tank through the waste pipe. At the start of operation, the feed solution is drawn from the feed tank into the feed inlet 2 through the inlet pipe 1 and pumped into the system by the diaphragm pump 9. The diaphragm pump 9 provides stable fluid power, causing the feed solution to flow through the membrane pack 12 in a tangential flow manner. The raw solution first passes through a T-shaped tee 10, one path of which is connected to a pressure sensor 11 to monitor the system pressure in real time and ensure operation within a safe range; the other path enters the membrane pack 12, the core component of ultrafiltration. Its filter membrane, based on molecular weight, retains large molecules such as proteins and cells, while allowing small molecules such as water and salts to pass through as permeate. The permeate is discharged to the waste liquid tank after its flow rate is controlled by a back pressure pump 13, while the concentrate is returned to the raw solution tank for recycling and concentration until the predetermined concentration is reached. This invention employs a tangential flow design to delay membrane clogging and extend the design life. Firstly, it offers long service life; secondly, it eliminates the need for heating or chemical treatment, preserving the biological activity of samples such as E. coli and proteins; furthermore, the back pressure pump 13 precisely controls the permeate flow rate, preventing initial membrane penetration and improving separation efficiency; this invention utilizes tangential flow filtration, causing the sample liquid to flow parallel to the membrane surface at high speed. This flow pattern generates strong shear force, continuously flushing the membrane surface and effectively removing trapped macromolecules or particles, thus significantly reducing concentration polarization and membrane fouling, maintaining a relatively stable filtration rate, and extending the membrane's lifespan. The overall automation is high, operation is simple, human error is reduced, and the compact structure makes it suitable for laboratory and small-scale production, demonstrating significant potential for widespread application.

[0022] Further as Figure 2As shown, it is worth noting that a first liquid sensor 14, a second liquid sensor 15, and a third liquid sensor 16 are respectively installed at the raw liquid inlet 2, the concentrated liquid outlet 5, and the permeate outlet 7. The liquid sensors adopt photoelectric or capacitive sensing technology and are installed at key positions at the raw liquid inlet 2, the concentrated liquid outlet 5, and the permeate outlet 7 to monitor the liquid status of each pipeline in real time. During operation, the sensors continuously detect the presence of fluid and transmit signals to the main control board 18. When the liquid level in the raw liquid tank drops to the point where air is drawn into the inlet pipe 1, the liquid sensor at the raw liquid inlet 2 first detects the empty pipe. Subsequently, the concentrate and permeate are gradually emptied, and the sensors trigger signals in sequence. After comprehensive judgment, the main control board 18 automatically stops the system, completing the concentration process. The system monitors the flow status of the raw liquid, concentrate, and permeate through the first liquid sensor 14, the second liquid sensor 15, and the third liquid sensor 16, respectively. When the liquid level in the raw liquid tank drops to the point where air is drawn into the inlet pipe 1, the sensors detect that the pipe is empty, and the main control board 18 automatically stops the system to prevent dry running. This achieves full-process liquid monitoring, avoids pump idling or fluid residue, improves the intelligence of the equipment, reduces manual intervention, and the sensors have a fast response speed and high accuracy, suitable for various liquid types such as clear or turbid samples. Multi-point detection ensures the accuracy of shutdown judgment, prevents misoperation, and the overall structure is reliable and easy to maintain, meeting the high standards required for modern laboratory equipment.

[0023] Further as Figure 2 As shown, it is worth noting that the first outlet of the T-shaped tee 10 is directly connected to the pressure sensor 11 for real-time detection of the inlet pressure of the membrane pack 12. As a key component for fluid distribution, the T-shaped tee 10's first outlet is directly connected to the pressure sensor 11 to monitor pressure changes at the inlet of the membrane pack 12 in real time. During operation, the diaphragm pump 9 pumps the raw liquid into the T-shaped tee 10. Part of the fluid flows to the pressure sensor 11, and the other part enters the membrane pack 12. The pressure sensor 11 feeds back the pressure signal to the main control board 18 in real time. The system automatically adjusts the flow rates of the diaphragm pump 9 and the back pressure pump 13 according to the pressure value to maintain the optimal operating pressure. For example, when the membrane pack 12 becomes slightly clogged, the inlet pressure increases, and the system can automatically reduce the pump speed or trigger a cleaning program to prevent damage to the filter membrane. This achieves real-time pressure monitoring, improving the system's safety and stability. Simultaneously, pressure feedback optimizes the concentration efficiency, avoiding membrane rupture due to excessive pressure or incomplete separation due to excessively low pressure. Furthermore, it extends the service life of the membrane pack 12, reducing replacement frequency and maintenance costs.

[0024] Further as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, it is worth noting that the back pressure pump 13 is connected to the permeate end of the membrane pack 12 to control the permeate flow rate, thereby controlling concentration polarization, preventing initial membrane penetration, and delaying membrane clogging. The back pressure pump 13 is installed in the permeate outlet pipeline of the membrane pack 12, and its core function is to regulate the permeate discharge rate, thereby controlling the pressure difference across the membrane pack 12. In the initial stage of the ultrafiltration process, the membrane is not yet fully wetted. If the permeate flow rate is too fast, it can easily lead to membrane penetration or damage, affecting the separation effect. The back pressure pump 13 applies adjustable back pressure to slow down the permeate flow rate, allowing the membrane to gradually adapt to the operating conditions and extending its service life.

[0025] Further as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it is worth noting that the diaphragm pump 9 and the back pressure pump 13 are electrically connected to the touch screen 17 and the main control board 18 for adjusting their flow rates. Pressure data can be displayed on the touch screen 17, allowing users to monitor the equipment's operating status in real time and providing data support for process optimization. The touch screen 17 allows users to adjust the flow rates of the diaphragm pump 9 and the back pressure pump 13 in real time to optimize concentration efficiency. The overall design is simple and reliable, meeting the high standards required for industrial applications. The main control board 18 is used to control the concentration process based on sensor signals. Through the cooperation of the liquid sensor and the main control board, intelligent shutdown is achieved, improving the safety and reliability of the equipment.

[0026] Further as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it is worth noting that the outer casing 21 is equipped with a power switch 19 and a power socket 20.

[0027] In summary: The diaphragm pump 9 provides stable fluid power, allowing the feed solution to flow tangentially through the membrane pack 12. The feed solution first passes through the T-shaped tee 10, one path of which connects to the pressure sensor 11 to monitor the system pressure in real time, ensuring operation within a safe range; the other path enters the membrane pack 12, the core component of ultrafiltration. Its filter membrane retains large molecules such as proteins and cells based on molecular weight, while allowing small molecules such as water and salts to pass through as permeate. The permeate is discharged to the waste liquid tank after the back pressure pump 13 controls the flow rate, while the concentrate is returned to the feed liquid tank for recycling and concentration until the predetermined concentration is reached. This invention uses a tangential flow design to delay membrane clogging and extend equipment life. Secondly, it eliminates the need for heating or chemical treatment, preserving the biological activity of samples such as E. coli and proteins. Furthermore, the back pressure pump 13 precisely controls the permeate flow rate, preventing initial membrane penetration and improving separation efficiency. The overall system is highly automated, simple to operate, reduces human error, and has a compact structure, making it suitable for laboratory and small-scale production, and possessing significant potential for widespread application.

Claims

1. A tangential flow ultrafiltration concentrator, characterized in that, The device includes a housing and an inlet pipe, a feed liquid inlet, a concentrate outlet, a concentrate pipe connected to the concentrate outlet, a permeate outlet, a waste liquid pipe connected to the permeate outlet, a diaphragm pump, a T-junction, a pressure sensor, a membrane pack, and a back pressure pump. One end of the inlet pipe is inserted into the feed liquid tank, and the other end is connected to the feed liquid inlet. The feed liquid inlet is connected to the inlet of the diaphragm pump via a pipeline. The outlet of the diaphragm pump is connected to the inlet of the T-junction. The first outlet of the T-junction is connected to the pressure sensor, and the second outlet is connected to the inlet of the membrane pack. The concentrate end of the membrane pack is connected to the concentrate outlet and returns to the feed liquid tank via the concentrate pipe. The permeate end of the membrane pack is connected to the back pressure pump, and the outlet of the back pressure pump is connected to the permeate outlet and is connected to the waste liquid tank via the waste liquid pipe.

2. The tangential flow ultrafiltration concentrator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The raw liquid inlet, the concentrated liquid outlet, and the permeate outlet are respectively equipped with a first liquid sensor, a second liquid sensor, and a third liquid sensor.

3. The tangential flow ultrafiltration concentrator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first outlet of the T-shaped tee is directly connected to a pressure sensor for real-time detection of the membrane inlet pressure.

4. The tangential flow ultrafiltration concentrator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The back pressure pump is connected to the permeate end of the membrane pack to control the permeate flow rate, thereby controlling concentration polarization, preventing initial membrane penetration and delaying membrane blockage.

5. The tangential flow ultrafiltration concentrator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The diaphragm pump and back pressure pump are electrically connected to a touch screen and a main control board for adjusting their flow rates.

6. The tangential flow ultrafiltration concentrator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing is equipped with a power switch and a power socket.

Images