Bioreactor Exhaust Filter Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-use bioreactors face challenges in efficiently removing exhaust gas due to limited filter capacity and frequent blockages, leading to high costs and physical footprint requirements as cell densities increase, necessitating frequent filter replacements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a pressure controlling device connected to the exhaust filter, either decreasing the outlet pressure or increasing the inlet pressure, to enhance filter capacity and extend filter life, allowing for the use of smaller filters and reducing costs and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If larger filters are used to accommodate increased gas flow rates, then exhaust gas removal capacity is improved, but cost and physical footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the pressure differential across the filter (increasing inlet pressure or decreasing outlet pressure) to enhance exhaust gas removal capacity without increasing filter size. This changes the operating parameters of the existing filter system to achieve higher productivity while maintaining the same physical footprint.
2Productivity
If larger filters are used to accommodate increased gas flow rates, then exhaust gas removal capacity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes (pressure differential modification) to improve exhaust gas removal capacity without requiring larger or more expensive filters. By optimizing the pressure parameters across the filter, the system achieves higher productivity while using the same quantity and type of filter media, thereby reducing cost.
3Reliability
If filter replacement is performed frequently to maintain bag integrity, then bioreactor safety is improved, but productivity and time efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively increasing the pressure differential across the filter before the bag pressure approaches critical thresholds. This preventive measure extends filter life and reduces the frequency of replacements, thereby maintaining bioreactor safety while improving operational continuity and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by extending filter operation time through optimized pressure differential. This allows the bioreactor to maintain safe operation for longer periods without interruption for filter replacement, thereby improving both reliability and productivity simultaneously.
4Productivity
If higher pressure differential is applied across the filter, then exhaust gas removal efficiency is improved, but filter blockage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully optimizes the pressure differential parameter across the filter to achieve improved exhaust gas removal efficiency while monitoring and controlling for blockage risks. By precisely adjusting this parameter, the system maximizes productivity while maintaining filter reliability through controlled operation within safe pressure differentials.
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 approach increases the exhaust filter capacity and extends its lifespan, enabling more efficient gas removal while maintaining bioreactor pressure within safe limits, thus reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing the risk of filter blockages.
Implementation Method 1
increasing a pressure at an inlet side of the at least one exhaust filter in a connection between the bioreactor and the at least one exhaust filter or decreasing a pressure at an outlet side of the at least one exhaust filter
Data Source
AI summary
A method for removing exhaust gas from a bioreactor (3) and a bioreactor system. The method comprises the steps of: —providing at least one exhaust filter (15; 115a, 115b) connected to an outlet (7) of the bioreactor (3) for transferring exhaust gas out from the bioreactor; —increasing a pressure at an inlet side (25) of the at least one exhaust filter (15; 115a, 115b) in a connection (16) between the bioreactor (3) and the at least one exhaust filter (15; 115a, 115b) or decreasing a pressure at an outlet side (23) of the at least one exhaust filter (15; 115a, 115b).