Bioreactor condenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioreactor condensers require separate filter heaters to prevent condensation, increasing complexity and not addressing moisture loss issues effectively, which can lead to concentration imbalances in cell cultures.
Innovation Solution
A condenser with a built-in filter heating system, utilizing a vortex tube to provide both cooling and heating, with a cooling chamber and heating conduit connected to a filter device, allowing for efficient temperature control of gas streams to manage condensation within the bioreactor exhaust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate filter heater is added to prevent condensation, then condensation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filter heater and condenser into a single integrated device. The heating element is positioned within the condenser assembly to directly heat the filter, preventing condensation without requiring a separate heater component. This merging of functions reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable condensation prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it cools the gas stream to condense moisture while also heating the filter to prevent condensation on the filter surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated heating and cooling devices, reducing system complexity.
2Reliability
If moisture is removed from the gas stream, then condensation is prevented, but moisture loss increases leading to concentration increases in cell culture
Solution Approach 1:
The heating is applied locally and selectively to the filter surface rather than heating the entire gas stream. This localized heating prevents condensation on the filter while allowing the bulk gas stream to remain cool enough for moisture to be condensed and recovered, thus preventing both condensation issues and excessive moisture loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors temperature and moisture levels to dynamically adjust the heating and cooling rates. This feedback control ensures that moisture is removed at optimal rates to prevent condensation while minimizing unnecessary moisture loss from the cell culture, maintaining proper concentration levels.
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 integrated solution simplifies the system, effectively prevents condensation, reduces moisture loss, and maintains optimal gas stream temperatures, thereby enhancing cell culture conditions by providing a low-cost, efficient means of both cooling and heating within the bioreactor.
Implementation Method 1
a vortex tube arranged to convey a cold gas stream through the cooling conduit and to convey a hot gas stream through the heating conduit
Implementation Method 2
The moisture in the gas may condense as the gas passes through a filter or other system component
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a condenser for a bioreactor exhaust, comprising: an inlet (1) adapted to be fluidically connected to a bioreactor exhaust port (2), a cooling chamber (3; 103) fluidically connected to the inlet and via a filter device (4) to an outlet (5), a cooling conduit (6; 106) in contact with the cooling chamber, a heating conduit (7) in contact with the filter device and a vortex tube (8) arranged to convey a cold gas stream through the cooling conduit and to convey a hot gas stream through the heating conduit.