Disposable Condenser Bag With Filter Heating for Bioreactor Moisture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current condenser designs for bioreactors are complex, costly, and not truly disposable, with inefficiencies in moisture removal, heat management, and flexibility, leading to reduced cooling effectiveness and clogging issues in filters.
Innovation Solution
A disposable bioreactor condenser system using a thermoelectric cooling device integrated with a flexible, nonporous condenser bag that condenses moisture from gas streams, allowing for separate cooling and heating functions and efficient condensate collection, utilizing a mesh to enhance condensation and turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple ducts are used to increase condenser surface area, then the cooling surface area is improved, but the gas velocity increases and residence time decreases, reducing overall cooling effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a multi-duct three-dimensional structure to a two-dimensional flat bag structure with internal mesh. This dimensional change allows the gas to flow across a large surface area without constraining it to narrow ducts, maintaining low velocity while maximizing contact area for condensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible flat bag structure instead of rigid multi-duct construction. The bag can be easily manufactured and disposed of, while the internal mesh provides the necessary surface area for condensation without creating high-velocity flow paths.
2Device complexity
If cooling zone and heating zone are integrated in the same condenser assembly, then space is saved, but the flexibility to manipulate the two functions independently is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the cooling function (condenser bag with mesh) from the heating function (filter heater). The cooling zone handles moisture condensation while the heating zone prevents filter clogging, allowing each function to be optimized and controlled independently without structural integration constraints.
3Reliability
If heat is removed from exhaust gas and discarded to the environment, then the condensing function is achieved, but energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat removed during condensation into a useful resource by directing it to the filter heater. This prevents filter clogging while utilizing energy that would otherwise be discarded, transforming a harmful waste product into a beneficial heating source.
4Reliability
If prior art condenser designs with multiple functional areas are used, then condensation and heating functions are achieved, but the assembly becomes complex and costly requiring special tooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into separate functional components: a simple flat bag for condensation and a separate heater for filter protection. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using standard, cost-effective processes without requiring complex integrated tooling or specialized assembly procedures.
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 system effectively reduces moisture content in gas streams, preventing filter clogging, optimizing heat utilization, and providing a cost-effective, flexible solution for bioreactor applications.
Implementation Method 1
cooling the at least one portion of the outer wall surface of the condenser container, thereby to condense moisture in the moist gas stream
Implementation Method 2
cooling device in contact with at least one portion of the outer wall surface of the condenser container and arranged to cool the at least one portion
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system and method for condensing moisture in a moist gas stream entering a bioreactor or leaving a bioreactor, forming a dry gas stream for entering or leaving the bioreactor.