Inline Buffer Dilution Using Adjustable Backpressure Across Variable Flows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inline buffer dilution systems face challenges in maintaining consistent mixing quality across varying fluid flows, requiring external pressurization of buffer solutions and lacking scalability in applications.
Innovation Solution
An inline buffer dilution system utilizing proportional pinch valves, a programmable logic controller, and a mixing pump with adjustable backpressure, which ensures minimum mixing threshold across a range of fluid flows, and allows for scalable operation by using atmospheric pressure to drive buffer solutions through disposable containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If external pressurization is used to maintain mixing quality, then mixing consistency is improved, but device complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the fluid flow itself to drive the mixing process through the disposable container, eliminating the need for external pressurization devices. The fluid's own kinetic energy and pressure differential are sufficient to maintain consistent mixing quality across varying flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable mixing containers that are optimized for single-use inline mixing. These containers are designed to work effectively with the natural fluid flow characteristics, eliminating the need for complex reusable pressurization systems while maintaining mixing consistency.
2Productivity
If the system is designed for high flow rates, then productivity is improved, but mixing quality deteriorates at lower flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing container design incorporates dynamic flow channels and mixing elements that automatically adapt to different flow rates. The geometry of the mixing chamber and internal structures are optimized to maintain effective mixing across a wide range of flow conditions without requiring active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accepts varying flow rate parameters as input and maintains consistent mixing quality output through the inherent design of the disposable container. The mixing effectiveness is maintained across different flow conditions by optimizing the container's internal flow paths and mixing zone geometry.
3Quantity of substance
If reusable mixing chambers are used, then cost is reduced, but cleaning and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements single-use disposable mixing containers that eliminate contamination risks associated with reusable chambers. The low cost of these disposable containers offsets the elimination of cleaning operations, while ensuring complete elimination of cross-contamination between different buffer solutions and applications.
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 system effectively normalizes mixing across a range of fluid flows from 2 to 20 liters per minute, ensuring consistent output quality without the need for external pressurization, and allows for the use of disposable containers, enhancing scalability and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A controller of the inline buffer dilution system creates a negative pressure upstream of the mixing pump to automatically draw the buffer solution across the flow control valves and into the mixing pump
Implementation Method 2
an inline buffer dilution system utilizing proportional pinch valves, a programmable logic controller, and a mixing pump with adjustable backpressure, which ensures minimum mixing threshold across a range of fluid flows, and allows for scalable operation by using atmospheric pressure to drive buffer solutions through disposable containers
Implementation Method 3
mix two or more liquids together in order to yield a desired concentration or other characteristics (e.g., pH, conductivity, optical density, refractive index, etc.) of the constituent liquids
Data Source
AI summary
An inline buffer dilution system is provided that includes a first flow control valve fluidly connected to a supply of diluent liquid, second and third flow control valves fluidly connected to supplies of a first buffer and a second buffer, respectively, and a mixing pump fluidly connected to the first, second, and third flow control valves and configured to mix an amount of the diluent liquid, the first buffer, and the second buffer to produce a diluted buffer solution. The system further includes a backpressure control valve configured to generate a backpressure that promotes mixing within the mixing pump, and a controller configured to control the backpressure based on the amount of the diluent liquid, the first buffer, and the second buffer being mixed in the mixing pump, such that the mixing pump yields a minimum mixing threshold across a range of fluid flows.