Bioreactor Removable Insert for Mass Transfer Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioreactors face limitations in mass transfer capabilities and are costly due to process-specific requirements, necessitating a more adaptable and efficient bioreactor design.
Innovation Solution
A bioreactor with a removable insert featuring membrane conduits and a second fluid distribution system that includes a manifold and distributors, allowing for optimized fluid communication and easy maintenance, enabling flexible use across various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single bioreactor design is used for multiple processes, then cost-effectiveness improves, but mass transfer capabilities may be insufficient for specific process requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The bioreactor is divided into modular components including removable inserts with different conduit configurations. Each insert can be independently designed and optimized for specific mass transfer requirements while using the same reactor vessel, allowing cost-effective multi-process use without compromising process-specific performance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The reactor design incorporates universal features such as standardized fluid distribution chambers and interchangeable inserts that can accommodate different conduit arrangements. This enables a single reactor to perform multiple functions across different bioprocesses while maintaining the mass transfer capabilities required for each specific application.
2Reliability
If process-specific reactors are designed for each application, then mass transfer capabilities are optimized, but cost increases due to purchasing multiple reactors
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the reactor into a permanent vessel and removable inserts, the design allows optimization of mass transfer through insert-specific conduit configurations while avoiding the cost of purchasing multiple complete reactors. Each insert can be tailored to specific process requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable insert design allows dynamic reconfiguration of the reactor for different processes. Inserts with varying conduit densities, arrangements, and configurations can be exchanged based on process requirements, providing process-specific optimization without permanent reactor modification.
3Productivity
If complex fluid distribution systems are used to improve mass transfer, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution system is segmented into a permanent distribution chamber and removable inserts containing conduits. This separation allows complex mass transfer functionality to be achieved through insert design while keeping the overall system manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable inserts containing conduit arrays are nested within the larger reactor vessel and fluid distribution chamber. This nested structure allows complex internal conduit arrangements for enhanced mass transfer while maintaining a simple external reactor configuration.
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 design enhances mass transfer efficiency, reduces costs by allowing for the use of a single reactor for multiple applications, and simplifies maintenance and cleaning, while maintaining optimal conditions for microorganism growth and product production.
Implementation Method 1
These limitations are expressed fundamentally as limits in mass transfer capabilities of these technologies
Implementation Method 2
The distributors preferably distribute the second fluid in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the conduits
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a bioreactor comprising a first fluid distribution chamber and a first fluid collection chamber, the reactor adapted to receive at least one conduit in fluid communication between the first fluid distribution chamber and the first fluid collection chamber; wherein the reactor includes a second fluid distribution means including a plurality of distributors arranged to distribute the second fluid between the first fluid distribution chamber and the first fluid collection chamber. The invention extends to a removable insert for a bioreactor comprising a first fluid distribution plate; a first fluid collection plate; and a second fluid distribution means including a plurality of distributors arranged to distribute the second fluid between the first fluid distribution plate and the first fluid collection plate.