Bioprocess System with Vertical Flow Path and Accessible Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bioprocess systems face challenges with large footprints, sanitation inefficiencies, and increased hold-up volumes due to connection pipes and welds, which hinder effective sanitization and service accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A bioprocess system with a centrally positioned, vertically oriented flow path and accessible active components, 3D printed for compactness and self-support, reducing the need for conventional connectors and welds, thereby minimizing footprint and enhancing sanitization and serviceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connection pipes and welds are used to connect bioprocessing devices, then the system can be assembled and serviced, but sanitation effectiveness decreases and hold-up volumes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path integrates multiple functions (fluid transport, component mounting, structural support) into a single unified structure. Active components are mounted directly onto the flow path, eliminating the need for separate connection pipes and welds, thereby improving sanitation effectiveness while reducing hold-up volumes.
2Ease of operation
If the system is designed with conventional layout, then components can be accessed for service, but the footprint becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is positioned centrally within the bioprocess system, extending vertically through the structure. Active components are mounted around this central flow path at different heights, transforming a horizontal layout into a three-dimensional arrangement. This vertical distribution allows service access from the sides while minimizing the horizontal footprint of the system.
3Productivity
If air purging is not optimized, then system assembly is simpler, but air removal efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is configured with a continuous upward slope from the bottom inlet to the top outlet, creating a gravity-assisted air purging system. Air bubbles naturally rise and are pushed upward by the flowing liquid, following the slope of the flow path. This gravitational equipotential design enables efficient air removal without requiring additional complex purging mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a bioprocess system (1) comprising a flow path (3; 3a, 3) comprising: a plurality of inlets (7); at least one bio-processing device inlet connection (9a) and at least one bioprocessing device outlet connection (9b); a plurality of outlets (11); and flow path parts (5a′, 5b′, 5c′, 5d′, 5e′) of at least some active components (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e) comprised in the bioprocess system; and active parts (5a″, 5b″, 5c″, 5d″, 5e″) of said active components (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e). The flow path (3; 3a, 3b) of the bioprocess system is positioned centrally within the bioprocess system (1) and in a vertical orientation, whereby the active parts (5a″, 5b″, 5c″, 5d″, 5e″) are positioned around the flow path (3; 3a, 3b) being accessible from outside the bioprocess system (1) and each in connection with a corresponding flow path part (5a′, 5b′, 5c′, 5d′, 5e′) of an active component (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e).