Flexible Bag Centrifuge Adapter for High-Speed Clarification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods of low-speed centrifugation are inadequate for effectively separating small-sized cell debris and particle contaminants from liquid suspensions, such as culture media, which is necessary for certain production processes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a bag adapter and crown assembly for flexible bags, which are designed to withstand high g-forces during centrifugation, allowing for the separation of contaminants sized less than or equal to 1 micron, including a bag adapter with apertures and a crown assembly with a resilient element to secure inlet and outlet lines, ensuring the integrity of the flexible bags during high-speed centrifugation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If low-speed centrifugation is used to separate large-sized cell debris and particle contaminants, then the separation of large particles (1-10 micron) is achieved, but the liquid suspension is insufficiently free of smaller particles (less than or equal to 1 micron)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of centrifugation from low-speed to high-speed operation. The flexible bag centrifugation system operates at speeds exceeding 5,000 rpm and g-forces up to 20,584 times gravity, which enables the separation of small particles (≤1 micron) that cannot be removed by conventional low-speed centrifugation. This parameter change directly resolves the contradiction by achieving both high clarification quality and maintaining productivity through efficient single-stage separation.
2Manufacturing precision
If high-speed centrifugation is used to remove small particles (≤1 micron), then clarification quality is improved, but the flexible bag may not withstand the high g-forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rigid centrifuge adapter as an intermediary structure between the flexible bag and the centrifuge rotor. The adapter receives the flexible bag containing the liquid suspension and provides a rigid framework that withstands high g-forces during centrifugation. The adapter includes a body portion with an interior cavity that receives the flexible bag, and a closure portion that seals the opening. This intermediary structure protects the flexible bag from direct exposure to extreme centrifugal forces while enabling high-speed operation for effective particle removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the rigid centrifuge adapter as a protective cushioning structure before the flexible bag is subjected to high g-forces. The adapter is designed to absorb and distribute the mechanical stress of high-speed centrifugation, preventing direct transmission of extreme forces to the flexible bag. This beforehand protection allows the system to operate at high speeds (exceeding 5,000 rpm) without compromising bag integrity, thus resolving the contradiction between particle removal efficiency and bag reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If high g-forces (up to 20,584 times gravity) are applied during centrifugation, then small particle separation is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centrifugation system into distinct functional components: a rigid centrifuge adapter with a body portion and closure portion, and a flexible bag containing the liquid suspension. The adapter is divided into a body portion that provides structural support and receives the flexible bag, and a closure portion that seals the opening. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity. The modular design enables high g-force operation for superior supernatant purity without excessive system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable flexible bag contained within a reusable rigid adapter. The flexible bag can be discarded after single use, eliminating the need for complex cleaning and sterilization procedures between runs. This approach simplifies the overall system by replacing complex maintenance requirements with simple disposable components, enabling high g-force centrifugation for maximum particle separation while keeping device complexity manageable through easy-to-replace consumables.
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
The system achieves effective clarification and pelletization of small cell debris and contaminants, producing a supernatant fluid substantially free of solids, even at high rotational speeds exceeding 5,000 rpm and g-forces up to 20,584 times gravity.
Implementation Method 1
Centrifuges are used in laboratories to separate mixtures of substances into their constituents using centrifugal force
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of clarifying a liquid suspension at high speeds contained in a flexible bag is provided. The method includes nesting at least one flexible bag containing the liquid suspension within at least one bag adapter with the at least one inlet line and/or outlet line extending from the flexible bag to an exterior of the bag adapter. The method further includes at least partially enclosing the at least one inlet line and/or outlet line within a crown cavity defined by a crown assembly. The method further includes centrifuging the at least one bag adapter and the at least one flexible bag containing the liquid suspension in a centrifuge to produce a super-natant fluid and a pellet in the at least one flexible bag.