Aseptic Membrane Module with Heat-Resistant Connecting Tube
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to maintain aseptic conditions when connecting a hollow fiber membrane module filled with liquid to a liquid treatment circuit, as existing methods require additional sterilization treatments, which are time-consuming and degrade the aseptic state due to liquid contact with aseptic connection members during steam sterilization.
Innovation Solution
A membrane module apparatus with a heat-resistant connecting tube and closure member, featuring an aseptic connection connector with a flange-shaped connecting part and sealing tape, allows aseptic connection by interposing the sealing tape between connecting surfaces, and includes an expansion member to manage internal pressure during steam sterilization, ensuring the aseptic state is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hollow fiber membrane module is filled with liquid and subjected to steam sterilization before shipping, then the aseptic condition is maintained during storage, but additional sterilization treatment is required during connection to the liquid treatment circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate sealing components: a seal cap that seals the liquid port of the hollow fiber membrane module, and a seal member that seals the connecting tube. This segmentation allows independent sterilization of each component, eliminating the need for additional sterilization during connection while maintaining aseptic conditions throughout storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal cap and seal member are pre-installed and sterilized along with the hollow fiber membrane module before shipping. This preliminary sealing action ensures that the liquid ports and connecting tubes remain sealed and sterile during storage, allowing direct connection to the liquid treatment circuit without requiring additional sterilization treatment at the time of use.
2Ease of operation
If the cap is detached from the liquid port for connection to the liquid treatment circuit, then the membrane module can be connected to the circuit, but the aseptic condition might be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting tube with integrated seal member acts as an intermediary component between the hollow fiber membrane module and the liquid treatment circuit. The seal member maintains the sealing function during connection, allowing the connecting tube to be detached and reconnected without compromising the aseptic condition of the liquid port.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted from the original cap and distributed to two separate components: the seal cap on the membrane module and the seal member on the connecting tube. This extraction allows the connecting tube to be independently connected and disconnected while the seal member maintains the aseptic barrier, enabling easy operation without degrading sterility.
3Reliability
If clarifying liquid is allowed to flow through the circuit for sterilization treatment during connection, then sterilization is achieved, but time and effort for preparation are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The seal cap and seal member are pre-installed and sterilized along with the hollow fiber membrane module before shipping. This preliminary sterilization action eliminates the need for additional sterilization treatment using clarifying liquid during connection, thereby maintaining high preparation efficiency while ensuring sterilization is achieved.
4Reliability
If the connecting tube is made heat-resistant for steam sterilization, then the module can be sterilized while filled with liquid, but the tube material selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple components with different material requirements: the hollow fiber membrane module and seal cap use heat-resistant materials for steam sterilization, while the connecting tube can use flexible materials like silicone or fluorine resin that may not be heat-resistant. This segmentation allows the heat-resistant sterilization capability where needed while maintaining material flexibility in other components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system have different material properties tailored to their specific functions: the hollow fiber membrane module and seal cap are made heat-resistant for steam sterilization, while the connecting tube uses flexible, non-heat-resistant materials for ease of connection and flexibility. This local differentiation of material quality allows steam sterilization of critical components while maintaining overall system versatility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a membrane module apparatus capable of allowing an aseptic connection member to be applicable to a hollow fiber membrane module and avoiding the need for a user to perform a sterilization treatment. A membrane module apparatus 1 comprises: a hollow fiber membrane module 10 to be filled with a liquid during steam sterilization; thermoplastic tubes 11, being aseptic connection members, for aseptically connecting the membrane module apparatus 1 to another duct; connecting tubes 12 for connecting liquid ports 20, 22 and 23 of the hollow fiber membrane module 1 respectively to the thermoplastic tubes 11; and closure members capable of pinching and closing the connecting tubes 12. The connecting tubes 12 have heat resistance to the steam sterilization. An expansion member 14 is connected to a liquid port 21 of the hollow fiber membrane module 10.