Cell Separation Apparatus Pressure Control Backwashing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell separation apparatuses using filter media like porous meshes face challenges in efficiently separating cells from microcarriers due to clogging, which can lead to increased pressure and cell damage.
Innovation Solution
A cell separation apparatus equipped with a pressure sensor that controls the supply of the suspension to the separation device, preventing excessive pressure buildup by adjusting the flow rate, and featuring a recovery path with backwashing capabilities to maintain filter medium efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the suspension is filtered using a porous mesh or net-like structure, then the microcarriers and cells can be separated, but the filter medium may become clogged with microcarriers causing cell recovery to stagnate and pressure to increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic backwashing of the filter medium to remove accumulated microcarriers. The backwashing is performed at predetermined time intervals or when a predetermined pressure increase is detected, converting the continuous filtration process into a periodic cycle of filtration and cleaning, thereby maintaining sustained separation efficiency and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers and reuse the backwashing liquid that contains detached microcarriers. The backwashing liquid is collected and can be reused for subsequent filtration processes, transforming the waste stream into a valuable resource and improving overall system efficiency
2Reliability
If the pressure of the culture medium increases during filtration due to clogging, then the separation continues, but the cells may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pressure sensors to continuously monitor the pressure of the culture medium during filtration. When the pressure increases beyond a predetermined threshold indicating filter clogging, the system automatically triggers backwashing, creating a closed-loop feedback control mechanism that prevents cell damage while maintaining separation continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs backwashing before the pressure reaches levels that would cause cell damage. By detecting pressure increase as an early warning signal and initiating backwashing proactively, the system cushions against the harmful effect of excessive pressure on cells
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 apparatus efficiently separates cells from microcarriers while minimizing cell damage by dynamically controlling pressure and using backwashing to prevent filter clogging, thereby enhancing the yield and quality of separated cells.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor that detects a pressure of the suspension
Implementation Method 2
a separation device that separates the microcarriers from the cells by a filter medium
Data Source
AI summary
This cell separation apparatus is an apparatus that processes a suspension containing cells and microcarriers to separate the cells and the microcarriers including: a separation device that separates the microcarriers from the cells by a filter medium, a supply path that supplies the suspension to the separation device, a recovery path that recovers the suspension containing the cells after the microcarriers have been removed by the separation device, a pressure sensor that detects a pressure of the suspension, and a control unit that controls the supply of the suspension through the supply path in response to a change in pressure detected by the pressure sensor.