Encapsulated disposable powder induction system and method of use
The powder induction system addresses the challenges of hydrating hydrophobic powders and preventing cross-contamination by using a sealed container, controlled air flow, and a recirculation path with a pump assembly, resulting in efficient powder dispersion and improved safety.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024571824
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-06-06
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Current powder induction systems face challenges in efficiently hydrating and dispersing hydrophobic powders into liquids, often requiring high mixing forces that increase solution preparation time. Additionally, these systems lack effective powder enclosures, leading to potential cross-contamination and safety issues.
A powder induction system that includes a disposable sealed powder container, an air inlet to control air flow, a manifold to direct powder into a recirculation flow path, and a pump assembly to create a pressure differential for efficient powder dispersion into a mixing tank. The system forms a sealed path with controlled air and recirculation flow rates to enhance powder hydration and mixing.
The system effectively hydrates and disperses hydrophobic powders into liquids with reduced mixing time, while maintaining a sealed environment to prevent cross-contamination and improve safety and ergonomics.
Smart Images
Figure 2025518859000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Background Art
[0001] Background Powder induction systems are used to disperse powder into a liquid. Current powder addition processes generally add powder above the liquid surface. Since hydrophobic powders often resist hydration and mixing, this type of powder addition process can be difficult. To overcome the powder floating on the liquid surface and hydrate and disperse the powder into the solution, generally a high mixing force is required. This can increase the mixing time required for the overall solution preparation time.
[0002] The main purpose of powder induction is to add powder through the bottom surface because there is no or very limited powder enclosure during the addition of powder to the system. A secondary purpose is to hydrate and initially introduce the powder into the turbulent fluid flow created through a pump that facilitates powder hydration and results in efficient mixing.
[0003] Furthermore, current powder induction systems (both disposable and multi-use systems) generally have no or very limited powder enclosure during the addition of powder to the system. The powder addition process unfortunately has the potential to release dust into the environment, which can cause a cross-contamination risk. Additionally, current systems in disposable facilities generally require the user to lift the powder into a bin at a potentially high position for inserting the powder into the system, which can cause various safety and ergonomic risks, as well as operational and design issues related to equipment and facilities.
Summary of the Invention
[0004] Summary In view of the above, an improved powder induction system and its use are needed.
[0005] In one aspect, a method for guiding powder for pharmaceutical manufacturing, comprising guiding the powder in a powder container into a powder flow path toward a branch lumen, wherein the powder container is a disposable sealed container and an air inlet is coupled to the powder flow path downstream of the powder container and upstream of the branch lumen; guiding the powder from the branch lumen into a recirculation flow path toward a mixing tank, wherein a pump assembly is positioned within the recirculation flow path; and recirculating the powder within the recirculation flow path toward the mixing tank, wherein the powder flow path and the recirculation flow path collectively form a sealed path, and in the sealed path, the air flow rate from the air inlet is controlled to be 0 to 10 SCM / min and the recirculation flow rate within the recirculation flow path is controlled to be 0 to 500 L / min.
[0006] In another aspect, a powder induction system for enclosing powder, comprising: a powder container positioned along a powder flow path such that the powder container introduces the powder into the powder flow path; an air inlet coupled to the powder flow path and configured to introduce air into the powder flow path downstream of the powder container; a manifold coupled to the powder flow path downstream of the air inlet and fluidly connecting the powder flow path to a recirculation flow path; and a pump assembly coupled to the recirculation flow path and configured to create a pressure differential to cause the powder to pass from the powder container through the powder flow path into the recirculation flow path toward a mixing tank, wherein the manifold introduces the powder into the recirculation flow path upstream of the pump assembly.
[0007] In another aspect, there is provided a powder container for enclosing powder, the powder container being positioned along a powder flow path such that the powder container introduces the powder into the powder flow path, an air inlet coupled to the powder flow path and configured to introduce air into the powder flow path downstream of the powder container, an eductor coupled to the flow path downstream of the air inlet and fluidly connecting the powder flow path to a recirculation flow path and introducing the powder into the powder flow path, and a pump assembly coupled to the recirculation flow path, the pump assembly being configured to create a pressure differential such that the powder passes from the powder container through the powder flow path, through the eductor, and into the recirculation flow path towards a mixing tank, the powder being added to the liquid flow in the recirculation flow path by the vacuum created by the eductor, and the eductor introducing the powder into the recirculation flow path downstream of the pump assembly. A powder induction system is disclosed that includes the above components.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0008] Details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the specification text, the drawings, and the claims.
[0009]
Figure 1
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[0013] **Detailed Description** Before further describing the present subject matter, it should be understood that the present subject matter described herein is not limited to the specific embodiments described and, accordingly, may naturally vary. It should also be understood that the technical terms used herein are for the purpose of describing only specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. Unless otherwise specified, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this subject matter belongs.
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a disposable powder induction system 100 configured to be used for solution preparation for industrial-scale protein therapy biomanufacturing. This system is suitable for the powder induction and mixing processes for preparing a solution. The powder induction system 100 includes a powder container 105, an air inlet 110, a manifold 115 (such as a T-manifold forming a branched lumen), a pump assembly 120, and a mixing tank 125, as will be described in more detail below. These components may be connected via one or more tubes or a collection of tubes that collectively form a lumen for fluid passage, as will be described in more detail below. The components may also include one or more fluid connectors, clamps, valves, etc. configured to allow fluid flow through the system. The air inlet 110 may optionally be configured to sterilize, purify, or otherwise treat the air. For example, the air inlet 110 may include a filter for purifying or sterilizing the air.
[0015] The components and corresponding tubes collectively form a flow lumen or flow path through which powder passes from within the powder container 105 into the mixing tank 125 as a result of the pressure differential provided by the pump assembly 120. Thus, the pump assembly 120 draws powder from the powder container 105 through the components and tubes of the powder induction system 100 and into the mixing tank 125. The powder is introduced into the flow path upstream of the pump assembly 120 in the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0016] The flow path includes a powder flow path 112 formed from the powder container 105 and the air inlet 110, and any piping or other components through which powder flows from the powder container 105 towards the manifold 115. The powder flows from the powder container 105 through the powder flow path 112 towards the manifold 115 as further described below, and the air inlet 110 introduces air into the powder flow path 112. The flow path further includes a recirculation flow path 113 connected to the powder flow path 112 via the manifold 115. The manifold is a tube, chamber, or any lumen that forms the lumen of a flow path branching from the powder flow path 112 to the recirculation path 113. The recirculation flow path 112 includes a continuously recirculating flow loop that includes the mixing tank 125 and the pump assembly 120, and any piping or other components through which powder and / or a powder solution recirculate between the pump assembly and the mixing tank 125. The powder flow path 112 (and the powder) first enters or otherwise transitions into the recirculation path 113 at the manifold 115. The recirculation flow path flows in a counterclockwise direction relative to FIG. 1 such that the manifold introduces powder into the recirculation path, in which case the powder then flows into the pump assembly 120 and then into the mixing tank 125. The recirculation path 113 then flows within the continuous recirculation loop.
[0017] Referring further to FIG. 1, the powder container 105 encloses powder that is configured to pass through various components along the flow path and ultimately towards the mixing tank 125. The mixing tank 125 includes one or more mechanisms configured to mix the powder into a solution. The powder can be used, for example, in various solutions for biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
[0018] The powder container 105 can be any type of sealed container such as a bag configured to enclose the powder. The powder can be initially enclosed within the sealed inner volume of the powder container 105 such that the powder can flow out of the powder container 105 only into the flow path via the outlet 106 of the powder container 105. The powder container 105 can also include a vent hole 109 through which air can enter or exit the powder container 105. The vent hole 109 can optionally be connected to a sterilizing air filter (or other type of air filter) to protect the powder from potential contamination from the environment.
[0019] The sealing or closing manner of the powder container contributes to the sealed flow path in order to reduce the possibility that contaminants or any other articles are introduced into the flow path unintentionally. Also, the sealing or closing manner of the powder container reduces the possibility that the powder is introduced into the environment outside the flow path. As will be described below, the air inlet 110 advantageously introduces air (which may be clean air) into the sealed flow path in order to improve powder fluidity and / or to perform pressure adjustment of the powder container.
[0020] The outlet of the powder container 105 is fluidly connected to the air inlet 110, such as directly, along the flow path with respect to the air inlet 110. Alternatively, the powder container 105 can be connected to the air inlet 110 via a conduit 107, such as one or more tubes, that provides fluid communication between the powder container 105 and the air inlet 110. A valve, such as a butterfly valve, can optionally be positioned between the powder container 105 and the air inlet 110 and can control the flow therebetween. The valve can be incorporated into the outlet 106 or can be a separate component positioned between the powder container 105 and the air inlet 110. One or more clamping mechanisms can be used to couple the powder container 110 to the air inlet 110 or the conduit 107. The type of clamp can vary and can include, for example, a tube clamp or a pinch clamp that adjusts the flow of fluid. Other devices for adjusting the flow of fluid can also be used.
[0021] The air inlet 110 is a mechanism configured to inject, insert, or otherwise introduce air from an air supply source / air source or other fluid into the flow path of the powder induction system 100 at a position downstream of the powder container 105. The air inlet 110 may be manually actuated by a user to introduce air, or may automatically introduce air when trigger conditions are met. The air is introduced from the environment outside the flow path. The air inlet 110 introduces air into the flow path to avoid or reduce the possibility of the powder container 105 collapsing as a result of the pressure difference introduced by the pump assembly 120. The air inlet 110 can also introduce air to fluidize the powder as it passes from the powder container 105 along the flow path towards the mixing tank 125 and then exits through the vent holes.
[0022] The air inlet 110 can further introduce air into the powder container 105. As described above, the vent hole 109 allows the release of air (or other substances) from the powder container 105 to the external environment. The vent hole 109 can also allow the entry of air and / or (or other substances) from the external environment into the powder container. The vent hole 109 can include a sterilizing air filter or can be coupled to a sterilizing air filter.
[0023] The flow path passes through a conduit 117 from the air inlet 110, and the flow path includes a manifold 115 such as a T-manifold. The manifold 115 connects the flow path to the mixing tank 125. In one embodiment, the powder container is located at a certain height relative to the ground level, and the certain height is lower than the height of the liquid in the container (or the height of the uppermost liquid level). The size of the mixing tank can be expandable. In one embodiment, the mixing tank has a capacity in the range of 600 liters to 10 kiloliters. In another embodiment, the mixing tank has a capacity greater than 10 kiloliters. In another embodiment, the mixing tank has a capacity less than 10 kiloliters.
[0024] As described above, the pump assembly 120 pumps fluid through the flow path to direct the powder from the powder container 105, over the air inlet 110, through the conduit 117, through the manifold 115 and the pump assembly 120, and into the mixing tank 125. At least one additional conduit 127 fluidly connects the pump assembly 120 to the mixing tank 125 to form a fluid recirculation loop. The pump assembly 120 is configured to achieve a desired flow rate using any tubes, connectors, and other connectors used in the flow path. In a non-limiting example, the pump is configured to minimize pulsation and is a centrifugal pump. The pump assembly 120 can be collectively formed from a disposable pump head that is removably coupled to the pump mechanism or any drive mechanism and is easily disposable. In one embodiment, the pump assembly is a PURALEV 600SU or PURALEV 2000SU manufactured by Levitronix GMBH.
[0025] In use, the powder container 105 is coupled to the flow path via the outlet 106. The pump assembly 120 can be operated so that the pump sucks the powder from the powder container 105 and into the powder flow path 112 via the outlet 106. The air inlet 110 introduces air into the powder flow path 112 to fluidize the powder as it flows through the powder flow path 112 towards the manifold. As described above, the air supplied by the air inlet 110 can also enter the powder container 105. The vent hole 109 allows ventilation from the external environment to the powder container 105 or from the powder container 105 to the external environment.
[0026] The fluidized powder flows towards the manifold 115 and enters the manifold 115, where the fluidized powder first enters the recirculation flow path 113. Upon entering the recirculation flow path 113, the powder flows through the pump assembly 120 and then enters the mixing tank 125, where it is mixed with the liquid from the mixing tank 125. Thereafter, the resulting solution continuously flows through the flow loop of the recirculation flow path 113.
[0027] The air flow rate from the air inlet and the recirculation flow rate in the recirculation passage need to be controlled within a specific range for the stable operation of the powder induction system. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the pump speed, the length and size of the manifold tube, the connector size, and the initial batch volume in the mixing tank 125 are typical parameters for achieving control of the air flow rate and the recirculation flow rate within a specific range in the powder induction system 100. FIG. 2 shows a tabular display of some typical parameters of the powder induction system 100. In particular, specifications such as the inner diameter of the manifold tube and the number of connectors (item 2 in FIG. 2) are interdependent with the initial batch liquid height (item 4 in FIG. 2), so a change in one of these results in a necessary change in the other to achieve proper operation of the powder induction system 100. This is a result of their influence on the flow rate of the solution to the pump, which determines whether the air-to-liquid ratio falls below the pump tolerance for stable pump operation. This can result in a time-consuming and costly effort to specify the operating ranges of the typical parameters.
[0028] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of the powder induction system 200. This embodiment eliminates the aforementioned typical parameter interdependencies. This embodiment includes an eductor 130 (forming a branched lumen) that connects the powder flow path 112 to the recirculation flow path 113. The eductor is configured to introduce powder into the recirculation flow path downstream of the pump assembly 120 with respect to the direction of flow through the recirculation flow path 113 or with respect to the inlet to the recirculation flow path. The powder is added to the liquid flow in the recirculation flow path 113 by the vacuum generated by the eductor. The vacuum can be reliably achieved and maintained by the Venturi effect of the eductor even in the presence of air intrusion. Thus, the pump installed upstream of the eductor is not affected by the air intrusion occurring in the eductor for powder addition. Thus, the pump speed is the only operating parameter for generating a vacuum desirable for stable powder induction. The achievable operating range of the pump is much wider compared to other powder induction systems. The interdependencies described for the embodiment of the powder induction system 100, including the pressure drop in the tube and the hydrostatic pressure due to the liquid batch volume in the solution preparation tank, are eliminated. The eductor is configured to use the Venturi effect for pump operation. The eductor functions by converting the pressure energy of the fluid into velocity energy, which can then be used to pump another fluid or transport a solid. In this regard, the eductor has an internal lumen that is dimensioned and shaped to exhibit the Venturi effect or a reduction in fluid pressure that occurs when the fluid flows through a constriction (or choke) in a tube or structure such as the eductor.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 3, the powder flow path 112 (and powder) first enters or otherwise transitions into the recirculation path 113 at or through the eductor 130. The recirculation flow path flows in a counterclockwise direction with respect to FIG. 3 such that the eductor 130 introduces powder into the recirculation path, and the powder then flows into the mixing tank 125 and then into the pump assembly 120. The recirculation path 113 then flows within a continuous recirculation loop.
[0030] As described above, the use of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, which includes an eductor, eliminates the typical parameter interdependencies shown in the table of FIG. 2. This enables the use of different mixing vessel configurations and different pipe connections that control the air flow rate and the recirculation flow rate within a specific range, which can be important for disposable facilities since the connections and other consumables can vary from operation to operation.
[0031] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a non-limiting example of an eductor 405 that can be used with the system 200 of FIG. 3. FIG. 4B shows a side view, and FIG. 4C shows a top view of the eductor 405 with the internal lumen of the eductor shown in phantom lines. The eductor 405 is formed from a tubular body 410 having an inlet 415 that connects to a conduit 117 (FIG. 3) such that powder / fluid can enter the recirculation path 117 and the eductor 405. The inlet 415 branches into an internal lumen 420 that expands outwardly in size to move along the flow direction (represented by arrow A in FIGS. 4A - 4C). The flow direction A leads to the mixing tank 125 (FIG. 3) along the recirculation path 113. As described above, the recirculation path 113 then flows from the mixing tank 125 to the pump assembly and then back to the eductor 405, where the recirculation path communicates with an internal lumen 425 of the eductor where the cross-sectional size changes. The arrow B in FIGS. 4A - 4C represents the flow direction of the recirculation path back to the eductor 405. As described above, the eductor 405 of FIGS. 4A - 4C is a non-limiting example, and other eductor configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure. The eductor has an internal lumen that is sized and shaped to exhibit the Venturi effect, or a decrease in fluid pressure that occurs when fluid flows through a constriction (or choke) of the internal lumen.
[0032] The system 200 can employ tubes, connectors, and other components of various sizes to optimally or efficiently perform powder induction.
[0033] The following Table 1 shows typical non-limiting specifications of preferred ranges of air supply and recirculation flow in the enclosed disposable powder induction systems 100 and 200.
Table 1
[0034] According to Table 1, the air supply pressure ranges from 0 to 10 BarG, more preferably from 0.1 to 2. The air flow rate ranges from 0 to 10 SCM / Min (standard cubic meters per minute), more preferably from 0 to 1 SCM / Min. The pump delivery head pressure is within the range of 0 to 4 BarG. The recirculation flow rate ranges from 0 to 500 L / min (liters per minute), more preferably from 5 to 400 L / min. Therefore, in one embodiment, the system is configured such that the powder flow path and the recirculation flow path collectively form a closed path where the air flow rate is controlled to be from 0 to 10 SCM / Min and the recirculation flow rate is controlled to be from 0 to 500 L / Min. More preferably, the air flow rate is controlled to be from 0 to 1 SCM / Min and the recirculation flow rate is controlled to be from 0 to 500 L / Min, or the air flow rate is controlled to be from 0 to 10 SCM / Min and the recirculation flow rate is controlled to be from 5 to 400 L / Min. Even more preferably, the air flow rate is controlled to be from 0 to 1 SCM / min and the recirculation flow rate is controlled to be from 5 to 400 L / min.
[0035] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the tube length, the dimension between the tube and the hose, the liquid volume and the liquid level in the recirculation tank are typical parameters for achieving the control of the air flow rate and the recirculation flow rate within a specific range of the powder induction system 100. For example, the preferred range of the tube length at the pump inlet is 0.1 to 15 meters, the dimension between the tube and the hose at the pump inlet is 0.5 to 5.5 centimeters, the liquid volume in the recirculation tank is 1 to 5000 liters, and the liquid level in the recirculation tank is 0.001 to 10 meters.
[0036] This specification includes many details, but these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the claimed invention or an invention that may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. The specific features described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented separately or in any suitable partial combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, features may be described above as acting in a particular combination and may even be initially claimed as such in the claims, but in some cases, one or more features from the combination recited in the claims can be excised from the combination, and the combination recited in the claims may be directed to a partial combination or a variation of a partial combination. Similarly, although operations are shown in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order to achieve a desired result, or that all of the illustrated operations be performed. Only some examples and embodiments are disclosed. Variations, modifications, and enhancements to the described examples and embodiments, as well as other embodiments, can be made based on what is disclosed.
Claims
1. A method for guiding powder for pharmaceutical manufacturing, which comprises guiding the powder in a powder container into a powder flow path towards a branch lumen, wherein the powder container is a disposable sealed container and an air inlet is coupled to the powder flow path downstream of the powder container and upstream of the branch lumen; guiding the powder from the branch lumen into a recirculation flow path towards a mixing tank, wherein a pump assembly is located in the recirculation flow path; recirculating the powder in the recirculation flow path towards the mixing tank, wherein the powder flow path and the recirculation flow path together form a sealed path, and in the sealed path, the air flow rate from the air inlet is controlled to be 0 to 10 SCM / min and the recirculation flow rate in the recirculation flow path is controlled to be 0 to 500 L / min. A method comprising the above.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the powder container is a bag.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the powder container has a vent hole and air from the air inlet exits through the vent hole.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the air flow rate from the air inlet is controlled to be 0 to 1 SCM / min and the recirculation flow rate in the recirculation flow path is controlled to be 5 to 400 L / min.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the branch lumen is a manifold.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the pump assembly is located downstream of the manifold with respect to the inlet to the recirculation flow path, and the pump assembly is located upstream of the mixing tank with respect to the inlet to the recirculation flow path.
7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the powder is first introduced into the recirculation channel via the manifold, then into the pump assembly, and then into the mixing tank along the recirculation channel.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the powder container is located at a certain height relative to the ground height, and the certain height is lower than the liquid height of the container relative to the ground height.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the branched lumen is an eductor.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the pump assembly is located downstream of the mixing tank with respect to the inlet to the recirculation channel and upstream of the eductor with respect to the inlet to the recirculation channel.
11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the powder is first introduced into the recirculation channel via the eductor, then into the mixing tank, and then into the pump assembly along the recirculation channel.
12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the eductor has an internal lumen, and the internal lumen is dimensioned and shaped to exhibit a Venturi effect when fluid flows through the internal lumen.
13. A powder container for enclosing powder, the powder container being located along a powder flow path such that the powder container introduces the powder into the powder flow path, a powder container; An air inlet coupled to the powder flow path, the air inlet being configured to introduce air into the powder flow path downstream of the powder container, an air inlet; A manifold coupled to the powder flow path downstream of the air inlet, the manifold fluidly connecting the powder flow path to a recirculation channel, a manifold; A pump assembly coupled to the recirculation flow path, the pump assembly being configured to create a pressure differential to cause powder to pass from the powder container, through the powder flow path, and into the recirculation flow path toward the mixing tank, the manifold introducing powder into the recirculation flow path upstream of the pump assembly, a pump assembly; A powder induction system comprising. **Claim 14** The powder induction system according to claim 13, wherein the powder container is a sealed container having an outlet. **Claim 15** The powder induction system according to claim 14, wherein the outlet of the powder container communicates with the air inlet via a tube. **Claim 16** The powder induction system according to claim 14, further comprising a valve interposed between the outlet of the powder container and the air inlet. **Claim 17** The powder induction system according to claim 14, further comprising a clamp interposed between the outlet of the powder container and the air inlet. **Claim 18** The powder induction system according to claim 13, wherein the pump assembly includes a pump head and a pump removably coupled to a pump mechanism. **Claim 19** The powder induction system according to claim 13, further comprising the mixing tank. **Claim 20** The powder induction system according to claim 13, wherein the powder container is a bag. **Claim 21** The powder induction system according to claim 13, wherein the powder container includes a vent hole and an air filter. **Claim 22** A powder container for enclosing powder, the powder container being positioned along a powder flow path such that the powder container introduces the powder into the powder flow path, a powder container; An air inlet coupled to the powder flow path, the air inlet being configured to introduce air into the powder flow path downstream of the powder container. An eductor coupled to the flow path downstream of the air inlet, the eductor fluidly connecting the powder flow path to a recirculation flow path and introducing the powder into the powder flow path. A pump assembly coupled to the recirculation flow path, the pump assembly being configured to create a pressure differential to cause powder to pass from the powder container through the powder flow path and through the eductor into the recirculation flow path toward a mixing tank, the powder being added to the liquid flow in the recirculation flow path by the vacuum created by the eductor, and the eductor introducing the powder into the recirculation flow path downstream of the pump assembly. A powder induction system comprising the above.
23. The powder induction system according to claim 22, wherein the powder container is a sealed container having an outlet.
24. The powder induction system according to claim 22, wherein the outlet of the powder container communicates with the air inlet via a tube.
25. The powder induction system according to claim 22, further comprising a valve interposed between the outlet of the powder container and the air inlet.
26. The powder induction system according to claim 22, further comprising a clamp interposed between the outlet of the powder container and the air inlet.
27. The powder induction system according to claim 22, wherein the pump assembly includes a pump head and a pump removably coupled to a pump mechanism.
28. The powder induction system according to claim 22, further comprising the mixing tank.
29. The powder induction system according to claim 22, wherein the powder container is a bag.
30. The powder induction system according to claim 22, wherein the powder container includes a vent hole and an air filter.