Bioreactor Sampling Device Circulation Flow Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sampling methods for liquids from containers face challenges in achieving accurate sampling with simple configurations, as either the method of using a liquid feeder is imprecise or requires a complex setup for maintaining sterility when using a needle to suck the liquid.
Innovation Solution
A sampling apparatus with a circulation mechanism and a flow path switching unit that circulates the liquid and allows precise sampling by switching the flow path for a predetermined time, using a flexible tube for feeding and a control unit to manage the sampling amount, while also enabling easy maintenance and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a liquid feeder (tubing pump) is used to feed the culture medium, then the configuration is simple, but the sampling accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into multiple sections: a circulation flow path for continuous liquid circulation and a branch flow path for sampling. The flow path switching unit divides the flow path at a specific position, allowing the liquid to be circulated in one path while enabling accurate sampling in another path. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining the simple circulation configuration while adding precision through path division.
2Measurement precision
If a needle is inserted into the culture vessel to suck the culture medium, then the sampling accuracy is high, but the equipment becomes large and the configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling function is extracted from the main circulation system through a branch flow path. Instead of using a complex needle insertion system, the invention extracts only the necessary sampling capability by creating a separate branch path from the circulation flow path. This allows accurate sampling to be achieved without the complexity of needle-based systems, as the branch path can use simpler flow control mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If a needle is inserted into the culture vessel, then the sampling accuracy is high, but a sterile room is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously circulating the liquid through the circulation flow path before sampling. This continuous circulation ensures that the liquid is constantly moving and mixed, and the circulation mechanism maintains a closed sterile environment. The flow path switching unit then diverts this pre-circulated liquid to the branch path for sampling, eliminating the need for needle insertion into the culture vessel and thus removing the requirement for a sterile room.
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
Enables accurate and efficient sampling of liquids with a simple configuration, allowing for high-speed sampling and precise control of the sampling amount, while maintaining sterility and reducing waste by collecting remaining liquid back into the container for reuse.
Implementation Method 1
a circulation mechanism (20) that circulates the liquid in the container (11) by leading out the liquid from the container into a circulation flow path (41) and introducing the liquid from the circulation flow path into the container
Implementation Method 2
a flow path switching unit (22) that is provided in the middle of the circulation flow path (41), and switches a flow path such that the liquid circulated in the circulation flow path flows out to a branch flow path (42) to be sampled
Implementation Method 3
This type of liquid feeder can feed the liquid with a simple configuration by deforming (compressing and relaxing) a flexible tube
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling apparatus 1 samples a culture medium in a bioreactor 11. A pump 21 circulates the culture medium in the bioreactor 11 via a flow path 41 by leading out the culture medium from the bioreactor 11 into the flow path 41 and introducing the culture medium from the flow path 41 into the bioreactor 11. A valve 22 is provided in the middle of the flow path 41, and switches a flow path such that the culture medium circulated in the flow path 41 flows out to a branch flow path 42 to be sampled.