Aseptic Sampling Manifold With Flushing for Contamination-Free Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Obtaining samples from biologically and chemically active environments, such as bioreactors, requires complex and labor-intensive procedures to avoid contamination, and samples often need to be directed to multiple analytical devices for various property measurements.
Innovation Solution
An aseptic sampling module and manifold with independent outlet valves and a flushing mechanism to ensure consistent sampling quality, reducing contamination risk and enabling direct transfer of samples to appropriate analytical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sampling techniques are used to avoid contamination, then sample purity is improved, but operation complexity and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is divided into distinct functional segments: a sampling module with isolated fluid paths for different sample sources, a manifold with separate inlet and outlet paths, and dedicated flushing mechanisms. Each segment operates independently to maintain aseptic conditions while simplifying overall operation through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A flushing mechanism acts as an intermediary between sample sources and analytical devices, using sterile flushing fluid to clear fluid paths between samples. This intermediary function prevents cross-contamination while automating the cleaning process, reducing labor intensity without compromising sample purity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple samples are directed to multiple analytical devices, then measurement capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is designed with universal multi-functionality to handle multiple sample sources and direct them to multiple analytical devices through a single integrated structure. The manifold features multiple inlet paths from different sampling modules and multiple outlet paths to different analytical devices, allowing one component to perform multiple routing functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic valve control to redirect fluid paths between different sample sources and analytical devices. Valves can be programmed to open and close in specific sequences, dynamically routing samples to the appropriate analytical devices based on sampling requirements, thereby managing complexity through automated control rather than fixed hardwired connections.
3Manufacturing precision
If independent outlet valves are used for each sample inlet, then sampling precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each sample inlet is assigned its own dedicated outlet valve and flushing mechanism, creating segmented control zones within the manifold. This segmentation ensures that each sample path can be independently controlled and flushed without affecting other paths, maintaining sampling precision while organizing complexity into manageable modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated control that monitors valve positions and flushing fluid flow to ensure proper sample routing and path clearance. Feedback mechanisms verify that each independent valve operates correctly and that flushing is complete before the next sample is introduced, reducing the impact of mechanical complexity through intelligent control and verification.
4Reliability
If flushing mechanism is added to clear fluid paths, then contamination risk is reduced, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flushing mechanism performs preliminary cleaning of fluid paths between sample collections. By automatically flushing paths with sterile fluid before the next sample is introduced, the system prevents contamination without requiring manual intervention, and the flushing occurs in the background during sample preparation rather than adding significant time to the critical sampling step.
Solution Approach 2:
The flushing operation is integrated into the continuous sampling workflow rather than being a separate batch process. While one sample is being analyzed, the flushing mechanism operates in parallel to clear paths for the next sample, maintaining continuous productive action and minimizing idle time between samples through overlapping operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample-directing manifold that includes (a) a plurality of sample inlets, one or more of the sample inlets having a sample outlet valve and a waste outlet valve, (b) a sample outlet path, (c) a waste outlet path, (d) a gas inlet valve, (e) a fluid inlet valve, and (f) an outlet path isolation valve.