Air-Vented Fluid Transfer Pressure Estimation in Cell Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cell processing systems face inefficiencies and risks of human error and contamination due to manual fluid transfers, and there is a need for automated systems that can monitor internal pressure to prevent system damage and maintain sterility.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a sterile liquid transfer device (SLTD) with an air vent, which monitors airflow and liquid transfer rates to estimate internal pressure, using indirect methods via sensors or flow meters, and adjusts procedures to prevent overpressurization or underpressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated fluid transfer is implemented, then productivity and sterility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically monitor pressure and airflow, and the controller automatically adjusts pump speed and liquid transfer rates without human intervention. The system serves itself by detecting pressure deviations and correcting them through automated control, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and adjustment while maintaining high productivity and sterility.
2Reliability
If pressure monitoring is added to prevent system damage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor continuously monitors internal pressure and feeds this information back to the controller. When pressure deviates from the predetermined range, the controller receives this feedback and automatically adjusts the pump speed or liquid transfer rate to correct the pressure, ensuring system safety without requiring complex manual monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressure monitoring and adjustment mechanisms with electronic sensors and digital control systems. The electronic pressure sensor and digital controller provide more precise and reliable monitoring while simplifying the overall system architecture compared to traditional mechanical pressure relief valves and manual gauges.
3Measurement precision
If airflow rate monitoring is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses airflow rate as an intermediary measurement to indirectly determine internal pressure. Instead of directly measuring pressure with complex sensors inside the sealed container, the system measures airflow rate through the air vent, which serves as a mediator that provides information about internal pressure conditions without requiring direct pressure measurement, thus simplifying the sensor system while maintaining measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances efficiency and safety by reducing contamination risks and system damage during automated fluid transfers, enabling high-throughput cell product manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
determining an airflow rate through the air vent of the SLTD
Implementation Method 2
determining a liquid transfer rate between the SLTD and the SLTI
Implementation Method 3
transferring liquid between the SLTD and the SLTI
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for monitoring pressure during automated cell processing. An illustrative method for monitoring pressure within a fluid device of an automated cell processing system includes coupling a fluid device having an air vent to a cell processing instrument. Next, the method includes transferring liquid between the fluid device and the instrument, determining a liquid transfer rate between the fluid device and instrument and an airflow rate through the air vent of the fluid device, and estimating an internal pressure of the fluid device based on the airflow rate and the liquid transfer rate. The fluid device may be a liquid transfer device, the instrument may be a liquid transfer instrument, and the system may facilitate liquid transfer between the liquid transfer device and a cell processing cartridge via the liquid transfer instrument.