Bioprocessing Clarification Setup with Liquid-Tight Centrifuge-Filter Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing clarification setups for bioprocessing installations are inefficient due to mechanical redundancies and limited controllability, particularly in large-scale applications, where the separation of cell broth components and subsequent filtration processes are not optimized for cost-effectiveness and contamination prevention.
Innovation Solution
A clarification setup with a liquid-tight connection between the centrifuge chamber outlet and the filter arrangement, eliminating intermediate reservoirs, integrating the liquid pumping arrangement for both centrifugation and filtration, and utilizing a centralized process control to manage predetermined cycles and sensor-activated valve operations for efficient and automated filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediate reservoir is used between the centrifuge chamber outlet and the filter arrangement, then the liquid can be temporarily stored and the process can be decoupled, but contamination risk increases and mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate reservoir from the system, eliminating the component that causes contamination risk while maintaining process functionality through direct liquid-tight connection between the centrifuge chamber outlet and the filter arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the centrifugation and filtration operations by establishing a direct liquid-tight connection between the centrifuge chamber outlet and the filter arrangement, eliminating the intermediate reservoir and reducing mechanical complexity
2Ease of operation
If a separate liquid pumping arrangement is assigned to the filter arrangement, then the filtration process can be independently controlled, but device complexity increases and footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid pumping arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves both the centrifuge for liquid supply and the filter arrangement for filtration, eliminating the need for separate pumping systems while maintaining process controllability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the pumping functions for centrifugation and filtration into a single liquid pumping arrangement, reducing mechanical redundancy and simplifying the overall system architecture
3Productivity
If multiple separate pumping arrangements are used for centrifuge and filter, then each process can be optimized independently, but cost increases and footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single liquid pumping arrangement is designed with multi-functionality to serve both centrifugation and filtration processes, reducing overall system cost while maintaining the ability to optimize each process through coordinated control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates redundant pumping components, discarding the unnecessary separate pump for the filter arrangement while recovering the pumping function through the multi-functional liquid pumping arrangement already present in the system
4Ease of operation
If the outlet supernatant line is open to the environment, then monitoring and access are easier, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet supernatant line is maintained as a closed, liquid-tight system that prevents environmental contamination while allowing process monitoring and control through the sealed connection between the centrifuge chamber outlet and the filter arrangement
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
This configuration enhances efficiency by reducing mechanical redundancy, improving controllability, and minimizing contamination risks, while also reducing the footprint and environmental impact, especially in large-scale pharmaceutical applications.
Implementation Method 1
The clarification setup serves for the clarification of a cell broth by centrifugation and subsequent filtration
Implementation Method 2
the clarification setup comprises a filter arrangement, that the liquid networks provides an outlet supernatant line for a liquid connection between the chamber outlet and the filter arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A clarification setup of a bioprocessing installation wherein, for the centrifugation, the clarification setup comprises a centrifuge, wherein the centrifuge comprises at least one centrifuge chamber with a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, wherein the clarification setup comprises a liquid pumping arrangement assigned to the centrifuge and a liquid network with a number of liquid lines communicating with the liquid pumping arrangement, wherein the clarification setup comprises a process control for controlling the centrifuge and the liquid pumping arrangement. For filtration, the clarification setup comprises a filter arrangement, that the liquid network provides an outlet supernatant line for a liquid connection between the chamber outlet and the filter arrangement, which is at least temporarily liquid-tight, such that due to this liquid-tight condition of the outlet supernatant line the liquid pumping arrangement as such may drive the supernatant from the chamber outlet to the filter arrangement.