Biomass Downstream Process Control Using Upstream Measurements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bioprocesses face challenges in configuring and controlling the various stages to efficiently produce high-quality biopharmaceutical products, with manual operations leading to errors and inefficiencies in upstream and downstream processes.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that receives measurement values from the upstream process to determine and configure downstream process parameters, enabling automatic setup and control of stages such as filtration, centrifugation, and chromatography, using predictive control and data storage to optimize the downstream process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual operations are used to configure and control downstream process stages, then flexibility in adjusting process parameters is maintained, but errors increase and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror reductionVSAvoidmanual operation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically receives measurement values from upstream processes, determines appropriate downstream parameters, and configures process stages without manual intervention. The control system serves itself by making autonomous decisions based on real-time data, eliminating manual errors while maintaining process flexibility through adaptive parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where measurement values from upstream processes are continuously monitored and used to automatically adjust downstream process parameters. This feedback-driven automation ensures high reliability by continuously adapting to process variations while reducing manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If downstream process stages are configured based on fixed predetermined parameters, then setup time is reduced, but adaptability to varying upstream process characteristics is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to upstream variationsVSAvoidprocess configuration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts downstream process parameters based on real-time measurement values from upstream processes. Instead of using fixed predetermined parameters, the control system continuously adapts process settings to match varying upstream characteristics, ensuring optimal performance without manual reconfiguration time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary determination of downstream parameters by receiving and analyzing upstream measurement values before configuring process stages. This advance preparation allows automatic adaptation to upstream variations while minimizing actual configuration time during process execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If multiple downstream process stages are operated in parallel, then productivity increases, but coordination complexity and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing throughputVSAvoidstage coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system implements a universal coordination mechanism that manages multiple parallel downstream process stages through a single integrated platform. This multi-functional control approach synchronizes parallel operations, allocates resources efficiently, and maintains coordination without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system ensures continuous operation of multiple parallel process stages by maintaining constant monitoring and adjustment of parameters across all stages. This continuous coordination enables high productivity through parallel processing while preventing complexity issues through sustained systematic management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4229176B1A method and system for configuring and/or setup of a downstream process for processing a biomass
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
  • EP4229176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4229176B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4229176B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for configuring and/or setup and/or controlling of a downstream process for processing a biomass, comprising: receiving at least one measurement value of at least one feature of an upstream process by which the biomass to be processed in the downstream process has been obtained and/or of at least one feature of a downstream process stage or operation; determining at least one downstream process parameter based on the received at least one measurement value; arid configuring and/or setup and/or controlling at least one downstream process stage or process operation based on the determined at least one downstream process parameter. The invention further relates to a computer-program product and a system for configuring and/or setup and/or controlling of a downstream process, a method and a system for processing a biomass.