Bioprocess Filtration Capsule Flat Interior Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filtration devices for bioprocesses face challenges in minimizing upstream and residual volumes while maintaining adequate pressure ratings, often requiring external equipment and occupying excessive space, especially in laboratory and pilot-scale operations.
Innovation Solution
The design of a filtration capsule with sealably attached shells featuring a curved exterior and a substantially flat interior, integrated ribbing structure, and ergonomic connections, allowing for standalone operation with minimized volumes and flexible assembly configurations, using materials like polysulfone for mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and sterilizability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a spherical or elliptical dome-shaped design is used for the filter, then the pressure rating is improved, but the upstream and residual volumes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter housing is divided into a cylindrical section and a conical section, with the filter element positioned at the apex of the conical section. This segmentation allows the filter to achieve adequate pressure rating through the conical geometry while minimizing upstream and residual volumes in the cylindrical section.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional spherical/elliptical 3D dome shapes to a cylindrical-conical hybrid design. The conical section provides the necessary pressure rating through its geometric efficiency, while the cylindrical section minimizes volume, effectively optimizing the pressure-volume tradeoff through dimensional redesign.
2Volume of stationary object
If the internal volume of filtration devices is reduced to minimize upstream and residual volumes, then the pressure rating deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conical section is strategically positioned at the apex where high stress concentration occurs during pressure loading. This local geometric optimization provides maximum pressure rating capability in the most critical area, while the rest of the housing maintains minimal volume through the cylindrical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical section utilizes curved geometry to efficiently distribute and withstand pressure loads, providing adequate pressure rating with minimal material and volume. The curved conical surface optimally redirects stress away from the filter element, maintaining structural integrity at reduced volumes.
3Stress or pressure
If external equipment is added to improve pressure rating, then the device complexity increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure rating function is merged into the filter housing structure itself through the integrated conical section. This eliminates the need for separate external pressure-supporting equipment, reducing device complexity and space requirements while maintaining adequate pressure rating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter housing structure provides its own pressure rating support through the geometric efficiency of the conical section, making the system self-sufficient. No external equipment is needed to provide pressure support, as the housing structure itself performs this function through its optimized geometry.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5A
AI summary
Provided are filtration devices for purifying fluids from bioprocess applications and processes for using the same. The fluid filter elements or cells and fluid filter assemblies or capsules minimize upstream and residual volumes by the use of substantially flat interior surfaces. Desired pressure ratings are also met without the use of external equipment. Such capsules and assemblies can be disposable. The cells and capsules are in particular suitable for intermediate filtration volumes (150-2500 cm2 effective filtration area (EFA)) of biopharmaceutical processes. One or more of the following features are also provided by these cells and capsules: ergonomic connections, stand alone device with desired pressure rating, offer a small footprint when running in series or parallel, ability to monitor fluid level during operation, provide various EFA sizes to allow for use with minimal fluid volumes, and offer an integral seal between clean and dirty process fluid streams.