Bioprocessing Vessel Sensor Noise Reduction via Equipotential Conductor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disposable bioprocessing vessels made of insulating materials like plastics suffer from electrical interference due to potential differences between the liquid medium and sensors, leading to noise in measurement data, which affects process control in bioreactors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating conductive materials or structures, such as wires or pins made of stainless steel or copper, to establish electrical communication between the liquid medium and external structures, achieving equipotential and reducing noise in sensor signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If insulating materials (plastics) are used to manufacture disposable bioreactors, then ease of manufacture and disposability are improved, but electrical interference and measurement noise increase due to potential differences between liquid medium and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive element acts as an intermediary between the insulating bioreactor wall and the sensor, providing a path for electrical equipotential while maintaining the insulating structure. The conductive element connects to the liquid medium and the sensor housing, eliminating potential differences without requiring the entire bioreactor to be conductive.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates an equipotential connection between the sensor and the liquid medium by introducing a conductive element that bridges the insulating barrier. This ensures that the sensor housing and the liquid medium are at the same electrical potential, eliminating electromagnetic interference and measurement noise while preserving the insulating material benefits.
2Reliability
If ground connectors are used in stainless steel bioreactors, then electrical interference is eliminated through equipotential connection, but the insulating properties of disposable plastic vessels are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bioreactor system is segmented into insulating and conductive zones. The bioreactor body remains insulating for ease of manufacture and disposal, while a separate conductive element is introduced specifically to establish equipotential connections. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its primary function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire bioreactor conductive, the invention applies conductive properties locally at the sensor interface where equipotential is needed. The conductive element is positioned only where electrical connection to the liquid medium is required, leaving the rest of the bioreactor insulating.
3Ease of operation
If sensors are positioned through ports in insulating bioreactor walls, then sensor access is enabled, but potential differences create induced currents and electromagnetic noise affecting measurement data
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive element serves as an intermediary within the sensor port assembly, connecting the sensor housing to the liquid medium electrically while the sensor itself remains accessible through the insulating wall port. This intermediary conductive path eliminates potential differences at the sensor interface without compromising ease of sensor installation and operation.
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 significantly reduces electromagnetic noise, enhancing the accuracy of process parameter measurements and improving control of bioprocessing conditions by ensuring the liquid medium is at the same potential as the sensors.
Implementation Method 1
At least one conductor is provided for providing electrical communication between the liquid medium in the bioprocessing vessel and an external structure to achieve equipotential for reducing noise in the signal from the at least one sensor
Implementation Method 2
The lack of equipotential results in electromagnetic noise, which affects the accuracy of any sensor or probe measurements in proximity of the bioreactor
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a bioprocessing vessel formed of a material insulative to a liquid medium when present therein. At least one sensor is for sensing a parameter of the bioprocessing vessel and generating a signal indicative of the parameter. At least ne conductor is adapted to provide electrical communication between the liquid medium in the bioprocessing vessel and an external structure to achieve equipotential for reducing noise in the signal produced by the at least one sensor. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.