Cell Removal Filtration With Sequential Filter Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration systems for cell-containing solutions face challenges such as long set-up and turnaround times, low scale-up opportunities, and quality control issues, particularly in achieving automatic and continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A filtration system with a loading member that sequentially moves filtration members between non-active, active, and discarded positions, coupled with a cleaning shell for sanitization, to facilitate rapid exchange and ensure cleanliness between uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional filtration systems are used for cell-containing solutions, then filtration can be performed, but long set-up and turnaround times between batches occur
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is divided into multiple filtration members (first filtration member, second filtration member) that can be independently loaded and exchanged. This segmentation allows one filtration member to be in use while another is being prepared or cleaned, enabling parallel operations that reduce overall turnaround time between batches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-loads multiple filtration members into the loading member before filtration operations begin. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming setup procedures during batch transitions, as replacement filtration members are already positioned and ready for immediate use.
2Extent of automation
If manual filtration operations are performed, then filtration can be completed, but automatic/continuous operation is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic loading member that can automatically exchange filtration members between different positions (active, standby, cleaned) without manual intervention. This dynamic mechanism enables automatic operation while maintaining ease of use through standardized interfaces and pre-positioned components.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading member acts as an intermediary device between the filtration members and the filtration system. It automates the exchange process by mechanically transferring filtration members between positions, eliminating the need for direct manual handling while simplifying the overall operation through a single automated component.
3Productivity
If filtration members are reused to improve efficiency, then productivity increases, but quality control issues and contamination risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses disposable filtration members that are discarded after a single use rather than being cleaned and reused. This approach eliminates contamination risks and quality control issues associated with reusing filtration members, while the loading member enables efficient replacement with pre-loaded fresh filters, maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a discard-and-replace strategy where used filtration members are discarded and fresh ones are recovered from the loading member. This ensures consistent quality control by always using new filtration members while maintaining productivity through the pre-loaded standby filters in the automated system.
4Loss of time
If multiple filtration members are loaded to enable rapid exchange, then turnaround time decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading member is designed as a universal component that can hold and manage multiple filtration members simultaneously. It performs multiple functions including storage, positioning, and automated exchange of filtration members, reducing the need for separate mechanisms for each function and thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 enables efficient, automated filtration with reduced turnaround times and minimized contamination risks, maintaining separation efficiency and quality control.
Implementation Method 1
separating cellular matter from the sample of the cell-containing solution with the first filtration member to obtain a permeate
Implementation Method 2
delivering a sanitizing fluid through the sample flow path and the connecting flow path of the cleaning shell
Data Source
AI summary
A filtration system can include a loading member configured to receive a plurality of filtration members which can be sequentially moved from a non-active position in which a respective one of the plurality of filtration members is not in fluid communication with a sample flow path of the cell removal system, to an active position in which the respective filtration member is in fluid communication with the sample flow path, and to a discarded position in which the respective filtration member has been removed from fluid communication with the sample flow path.