Reusable Connection Device for Sterile Bioreactor Gas Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for temperature control in sterile disposable bioreactors face challenges such as sterility impairment, dehydration, filter blockage, and inefficient energy use, particularly in single-use bioreactors, where condensate cannot be recovered and reused, leading to increased costs and process disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A reusable temperature control device with a detachable connection system for sterile disposable gas lines, featuring a receptacle and coupling element for orthogonal insertion of gas lines, allowing for efficient heat transfer and condensate recovery, while maintaining sterility and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If temperature control is implemented in sterile disposable gas lines of single-use bioreactors, then gas temperature can be controlled and condensate can be recovered, but the sterility of the system may be compromised and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas line is divided into separate sections: a disposable sterile section connected to the bioreactor and a reusable temperature control section. The connection device includes a receptacle that receives the disposable gas line and a coupling element that connects to the temperature control device, allowing temperature control without compromising the sterility of the disposable portion.
Solution Approach 2:
A connection device serves as an intermediary component between the disposable sterile gas line and the reusable temperature control device. This intermediary maintains the sterile barrier while enabling thermal interaction through the coupling element, resolving the conflict between sterility maintenance and temperature control.
2Loss of energy
If condensate recovery is implemented in single-use bioreactors, then energy efficiency improves and costs decrease, but the device complexity and risk of contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers condensate from the exhaust gas of single-use bioreactors and returns it to the bioreactor, preventing energy loss and media concentration changes. The reusable connection device enables this recovery function without requiring complex modifications to the disposable bioreactor itself.
3Ease of manufacture
If a reusable connection device is used for temperature control, then manufacturing costs decrease and energy efficiency improves, but the ease of operation and sterility maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device features a dynamic insertion mechanism where the gas line can be inserted orthogonally into the receptacle. The coupling element is designed to accommodate this orthogonal motion while maintaining secure connection, making the operation intuitive and efficient despite the non-traditional insertion direction.
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 solution effectively controls gas temperatures, prevents filter blockage, and recovers condensate, enhancing process reliability and energy efficiency without compromising sterility, thus improving the operational efficiency of single-use bioreactors.
Implementation Method 1
a contact surface 723 which rests against an outer surface of a gas line 701 arranged in the receptacle 721
Implementation Method 2
temperature control of a fluid flow in a fluid line using the temperature control device such that the fluid flow at least partially condenses
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Biotechnological apparatus comprises a bioreactor, an exhaust gas conduit designed and configured on the bioreactor to remove gases produced in a reactor vessel of the bioreactor during cultivation, and an exhaust gas temperature control device designed free of temperature control fluid and having a temperature control actuator, where the exhaust gas temperature control device is arranged in releasable connection with the exhaust gas conduit with the aid of a connector device and thermally coupling the temperature control actuator to the exhaust gas conduit. Independent claims are: (1) an exhaust gas temperature control device for a bioreactor and designed free of temperature control fluid, comprising a temperature control actuator designed free of temperature control fluid and configured to control the temperature of an exhaust gas conduit of a bioreactor, and a coupling mechanism assigned to a connector device, with which the temperature control actuator can be releasably mounted on the exhaust gas conduit and thermally coupled to it; (2) a method for treating an exhaust gas stream in a biotechnological apparatus formed with a bioreactor, comprising removing, via an exhaust gas conduit, a stream of gases produced during cultivation in a reactor vessel of the bioreactor, controlling the temperature of the exhaust gas stream in the exhaust gas conduit by an exhaust gas temperature control device designed free of temperature control fluid, in such a way that the exhaust gas stream condenses at least partially, and providing at least one part of the condensate formed when controlling the temperature of the exhaust gas stream for return to the cultivation process in the reactor vessel; (3) a reusable connection device for a sterile single-use fluid conduit of a single-use bioreactor, comprising a receptacle in which a portion of a fluid conduit can be detachably arranged, and a coupling member having a coupling face for connecting the connection device to a temperature control device, where the receptacle has a contact surface which is arranged and adapted in such a way that the contact surface abuts a fluid conduit arranged in the receptacle, and where a portion of a fluid conduit can be introduced into the receptacle in a direction running substantially orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the connection device; (4) a reusable temperature control device for controlling the temperature of a sterile single-use fluid conduit of a single-use bioreactor, comprising a temperature control actuator which does not contain any temperature control fluid, characterized by a connection device for connecting the temperature control device to a fluid conduit of a single-use bioreactor; (5) a biotechnological device comprising a single-use bioreactor provided with a sterile single-use fluid conduit and a reusable temperature control device, and/or a reusable connection device; and (6) a method for treating a fluid stream in a biotechnological device, comprising supplying or discharging a fluid stream from a or into a single-use bioreactor via a sterile single-use fluid conduit, and arranging a reusable connection device on a portion of a fluid conduit.