High-Pressure Bioreactor Sampling with Series Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack the capability to continuously culture microorganisms under high pressure and temperature conditions while allowing for periodic sampling without physical or chemical disturbance, which is essential for studying microbial processes related to petroleum biodegradation and biofuel synthesis.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure bioreactor system capable of operating up to 150 MPa with a gas-tight configuration, enabling continuous culturing under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, and incorporating a sampling method using series valves to maintain minimal pressure fluctuation and prevent cell lysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a high-pressure bioreactor system is used to continuously culture microorganisms under high pressure and temperature conditions, then the capability to study microbial processes is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bioreactor system is divided into distinct functional modules: a high-pressure reactor vessel, a sampling system with series valves, a pressure control system, and a temperature control system. Each module operates independently but integrates with the overall system, allowing for complex functionality while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The bioreactor system is designed to perform multiple functions: continuous culturing of microorganisms, maintenance of high pressure and temperature conditions, periodic sampling without pressure loss, and study of microbial processes. This multi-functionality is achieved through integrated design elements that serve multiple purposes simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If periodic sampling is performed under high pressure conditions, then the ability to monitor microbial growth is improved, but pressure fluctuation and cell lysis occur
Solution Approach 1:
A series of valves is introduced as an intermediary component between the high-pressure reactor and the sampling system. These valves act as mediators that allow controlled sampling while maintaining the high-pressure environment inside the reactor. The valves enable pressure equalization and controlled flow, preventing sudden pressure fluctuations and protecting cells from lysis during sampling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling system is pre-configured with series valves and pressure control mechanisms before sampling occurs. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when sampling is initiated, the pressure remains stable and cells are protected from immediate lysis. The system is prepared in advance to maintain conditions throughout the sampling process.
3Quantity of substance
If gas-tight configuration is implemented to maintain high pressure, then the ability to enrich media with dissolved gases is improved, but the difficulty of sampling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The series valves serve as intermediaries that bridge the gas-tight high-pressure system with the sampling apparatus. They allow the system to maintain its gas-tight configuration for enriching media with dissolved gases while providing a controlled pathway for sampling. The valves manage the transition between sealed high-pressure conditions and sampling operations, making the process feasible without compromising gas enrichment capability.
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 continuous culturing of microorganisms under extreme conditions, allowing for the study of microbial processes and biofuel synthesis, with minimal disturbance during sampling, and maintaining the integrity of the microbial community.
Implementation Method 1
allows for the continuous culturing of microorganisms under high pressure and, optionally, high temperature conditions
Implementation Method 2
allow for the employment of media enriched in dissolved gases, under aerobic or anaerobic conditions
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a sampling method using series valves to maintain minimal pressure fluctuation and prevent cell lysis
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to an integrated system, apparatus and method that allows for the continuous culturing of microorganisms under high pressure conditions and at a wide range of temperatures. More specifically, the system is configured to be gas tight and operate under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. The system is also configured to permit periodic sampling of the incubated organisms under such conditions with minimal physical/chemical disturbance inside the reactor and minimal impacts of shear forces on the collected biomass.