Bioprocessing Powder Transfer for Automated Filter Aid Addition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioprocessing systems face challenges in process automation, scalability, and regulatability of filter aid addition, with high manual effort and limited scalability due to manual handling and slow response times in concentration changes.
Innovation Solution
A bioprocessing system utilizing a main line for additive suspension, a powder transfer system with a feed line and return flow preventer, and pressurized transport gas for dust-free, automated delivery of filter aid directly into the main flow, enabling continuous addition without mixing containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual handling of filter aid is used in the known bioprocessing system, then the single-use concept is maintained, but process automation is reduced and manual effort and time expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling of filter aid with an automated powder transfer system that uses pressurized gas to deliver the filter aid through a feed line into the recirculation line, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining the single-use concept
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a powder transfer system utilizing pressurized gas (pneumatics) to automatically deliver filter aid from a storage container through a feed line into the recirculation line, achieving automated process operation without manual handling
2Quantity of substance
If a mixing bag with limited accommodation volume is used, then the single-use concept is maintained, but scalability of filter aid amount is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filter aid delivery function from the mixing bag and implements it through a separate powder transfer system with a feed line that can deliver filter aid directly into the recirculation line, enabling scalability without being constrained by mixing bag volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the powder transfer system and feed line infrastructure before filter aid addition is needed, allowing for scalable filter aid delivery without requiring large mixing bag accommodation volume
3Speed
If filter aid suspension is performed in a mixing bag, then the single-use concept is maintained, but system response time to concentration changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filter aid delivery function from the mixing bag system and implements it through a dedicated powder transfer system with feed line that delivers filter aid directly into the recirculation line, eliminating the need for separate mixing containers and reducing system response time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing the powder transfer system and feed line infrastructure in advance, enabling rapid filter aid addition and concentration adjustments without the delay associated with mixing bag operations
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
Facilitates automated, dust-free, and scalable addition of filter aid with reduced process time and space requirements, maintaining a single-use concept by preventing contamination and allowing rapid concentration adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a powder transfer system for metered delivery, in particular dust-free metered delivery, of a filter aid and a feed line which is connected to the powder transfer system and which opens into the main line at a feed point
Implementation Method 2
the feed line comprises a return flow preventer for prevention of a return flow of liquid medium
Implementation Method 3
the flow state present anyway in the main line can be utilized for supporting the mixing between the additive and the liquid medium or between the filter aid and the fermentation broth
Implementation Method 4
The filter arrangement serves here for cell removal and functions according to the principle of precoat filtration, for which a filter aid is to be suspended in the fermentation broth to be filtered
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a bioprocessing system having a main line for conduction of a main flow of a liquid medium, having a main flow pump and having a system part connected to the main line. The bioprocessing system comprises a powder transfer system and a feed line which is connected to the powder transfer system and which opens into the main line and which comprises a return flow preventer for prevention of a return flow of liquid medium, the powder transfer system feeds the additive into the feed line in powder form and drives it toward the feed point by means of a pressurized transport gas and at least some of the fed additive is input into the liquid medium within the main line downstream of the feed point before the liquid medium enriched with the additive passes through or reaches the system part connected to the main line.