Bioprocess Vessels With Integrated Pumps and Agitating Return Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioprocess systems face issues with cavitation, vacuum, and pulsatile flow conditions when separate pumps are used downstream of the vessel, leading to cell damage and disruption, and flexible tubing collapse due to negative pumping pressure, which disrupts fluid flow and cell integrity.
Innovation Solution
A fluid vessel with an integrated pump, featuring multiple outlets and return lines that agitate and mix contents, secured directly or indirectly to the vessel, using diaphragm pumps with flexible return lines that oscillate to enhance mixing and prevent tubing collapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a separate pump is used downstream of the vessel, then fluid can be pumped out for processing, but cavitation and vacuum conditions occur causing cell damage and disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is integrated directly into the vessel structure, combining the pumping function with the containment vessel. This integration eliminates the need for separate pumping devices connected via external conduits, thereby preventing cavitation and vacuum conditions that occur in traditional downstream pumping configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid coupling device with multiple outlets is introduced as an intermediary between the pump and the external environment. This coupling device distributes fluid flow through multiple pathways, preventing cavitation and vacuum conditions while enabling efficient fluid removal for processing.
2Productivity
If separate pumping equipment is used, then fluid processing can be performed, but the system becomes more complex with additional conduits and components
Solution Approach 1:
The pump and vessel are merged into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate pumping equipment, external conduits, and connection components. This integration dramatically simplifies the system configuration while maintaining full fluid processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pump vessel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the biological fluid, performs pumping operations, and provides fluid distribution through multiple outlets. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Ease of operation
If flexible tubing is used to connect vessel to pump, then fluid flow is enabled, but tubing collapses due to negative pumping pressure disrupting flow and cell integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tubing connection is completely removed from the system. The pump is integrated directly into the vessel, eliminating the intermediary tubing that collapses under negative pressure. Fluid flow is maintained through direct integrated pathways without vulnerable flexible connections.
4Device complexity
If single outlet pump is used, then simple design is maintained, but mixing efficiency within vessel is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single outlet is segmented into multiple outlets distributed around the vessel. This segmentation allows fluid to be removed from multiple locations simultaneously, creating more effective circulation patterns and improving mixing efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple pump design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distribution system transitions from a single-point outlet to a multi-point spatial distribution. This dimensional change from one outlet to multiple outlets arranged in space creates superior fluid circulation and mixing patterns throughout the vessel volume.
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 integrated pump design minimizes cavitation and pulsatile flow, ensuring stable fluid flow and cell integrity while enhancing mixing efficiency within the vessel, reducing damage and improving process reliability.
Implementation Method 1
flexible return lines that oscillate to enhance mixing
Implementation Method 2
using diaphragm pumps with flexible return lines
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A bioprocess or pharmaceutical vessel which may include a flexible bag or substantially rigid container defines an interior volume and having a bottom surface, the bottom surface being open or containing an aperture therein for the passage of fluid. A pump is secured to the bottom surface of the vessel. The pump has an inlet that is in fluidic communication with the interior of the vessel and a plurality of outlets, whereby fluid passes from the interior volume of the vessel and into the inlet of the pump and out the plurality of outlets. The vessel may also include one or more return lines that return fluid to the interior volume of the vessel. When fluid is pumped through the return lines, the return lines undulate, flail about, or otherwise move to impart agitation and/or mixing of the fluid contained in the vessel.