Computational Fluid Dynamics for Viral Inactivation Reactor Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining critical process parameters for continuous viral inactivation reactors, such as plug-flow reactors, are inefficient and time-consuming due to fluid dynamics phenomena in circular piping, making it difficult to quantify residence time accurately.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involve introducing a process stream with detectable particles into an experimental reactor, detecting flow rates and fluid-phase parameters, and using empirical and non-empirical values to design and manufacture an actual reactor with a serpentine or interwoven tubular flow path to achieve efficient viral inactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If trial-and-error experimentation is used to determine PFR parameters for viral inactivation, then the correct parameters can be found, but the process becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces trial-and-error experimentation with a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation system. The CFD model numerically simulates fluid flow and viral inactivation processes, eliminating the need for repeated physical experiments. This substitution of mechanical experimentation with computational modeling directly resolves the contradiction by providing accurate parameter determination without time-consuming iterative testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary CFD simulations to predict optimal PFR parameters before actual viral inactivation experiments. By pre-calculating residence time distributions, flow patterns, and inactivation efficiency through computational models, the system establishes predicted parameters that guide subsequent experimental validation, significantly reducing the iterative experimentation required and thus the time loss.
2Device complexity
If circular piping is used in the reactor, then the structure is simple, but fluid dynamics phenomena cause difficult-to-quantify residence time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces CFD simulation as an intermediary between the simple circular piping structure and the complex fluid dynamics phenomena. The computational model acts as a mediator that captures the intricate flow patterns, velocity profiles, and residence time distributions within the simple circular geometry without requiring physical modification of the reactor structure. This allows accurate residence time determination while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct physical measurement of residence time in circular piping with computational modeling. The CFD simulation substitutes physical measurement systems with numerical calculations that accurately predict residence time distributions, eliminating the need for complex measurement apparatus while maintaining structural simplicity of the reactor.
3Quantity of substance
If experimental reactors with known parameters are used, then empirical data can be collected, but scaling to actual reactor size requires additional experimentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses CFD simulations to systematically vary reactor parameters (volume, flow rate, geometry) and predict their effects on viral inactivation efficiency. By changing parameters computationally rather than physically building multiple experimental reactors, the system efficiently determines optimal scaling parameters from small-scale to large-scale reactors, eliminating the need for additional experimentation at each scale and thus improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A viral inactivation device including at least one experimental continuous viral inactivation reactor having at least an inlet, an outlet, and a tubular flow path and a computer system that, based on the experimental continuous viral inactivation reactor can design, select, make, and/or manufacture a scaled actual reactor. The tubular flow path includes a set of alternating turns that form a serpentine or an interwoven pattern between the inlet and the outlet.