Chromatography System for Automated Filtration Device Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The screening and testing of filters, such as depth filters, are time-consuming due to the need to test multiple filters with varying properties and large volumes of filtration feed, as existing filter sizes are large and require extensive screening to find appropriate filters with sufficient capacity and target protein absorption.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a chromatography system with filtration device housings connected to inlet and outlet chromatography column connections, allowing for automated testing with a smaller sample volume, utilizing existing analytical components like pressure and UV sensors, and enabling sanitization between tests, to efficiently evaluate filtration devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional filter screening methods are used, then comprehensive filter evaluation is achieved, but testing time and sample volume requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the filter evaluation process into standardized testing units that can be performed independently using small sample volumes. By dividing the comprehensive screening into modular chromaticography-based tests, the system achieves thorough filter evaluation without requiring large volumes of feed material or excessive testing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces chromaticography as an intermediary analytical method between the filter device and the evaluation process. Instead of directly testing filters with large volumes of feed, the system uses chromaticography columns and sensors as intermediaries to analyze filter performance with minimal sample volumes, thereby reducing testing time while maintaining evaluation accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filters with different properties are screened, then appropriate filter selection is achieved, but testing time and feed volume requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal testing platform using chromaticography systems that can evaluate multiple filter types (depth filters, sterile filters, chromatography media) with the same apparatus. This multi-functional approach allows comprehensive filter selection across different filter properties without requiring separate testing setups, thereby reducing the total feed volume needed while maintaining versatile filter evaluation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables evaluation of multiple filters by changing analytical parameters (UV detection wavelengths, pressure measurement ranges, flow rates) rather than requiring physical changes to the testing apparatus or large volumes of feed. This parameter-based differentiation allows comprehensive filter property assessment with minimal sample consumption.
3Reliability
If large volume of filtration feed is used for testing, then sufficient filter capacity evaluation is achieved, but sample consumption and testing resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical filtration testing (which requires large volumes of feed passing through filters) with chromaticography-based analytical detection. By substituting the mechanical evaluation approach with instrumental analysis (UV sensors, pressure sensors, chromaticography columns), the system achieves reliable filter capacity evaluation with minimal sample consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates analytical copies of the filtration process using chromaticography columns that simulate filter behavior. Instead of processing large volumes of feed through actual filters, the system uses chromaticography as a proxy to evaluate filter capacity and performance, thereby reducing sample consumption while maintaining evaluation reliability.
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
This approach enables effective and automated testing of filtration devices with reduced sample requirements, allowing for the evaluation of multiple filters with the same feed material and providing detailed analysis of filter performance and properties.
Implementation Method 1
pressure sensors configured for measuring pressures at an inlet side and an outlet side of a connected chromatography column
Implementation Method 2
UV sensors which will give valuable information for the evaluation of the filtration devices
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system and a method for testing at least one filtration device. The system comprises a chromatography system (3) comprising at least one pair of inlet and outlet chromatography column connections (7a), 7b for at least one chromatography column, and at least one filtration device housing (21) comprising a filtration device (23) to be tested, whereby each filtration device housing (21) is connected to one of the at least one pair of inlet and outlet chromatography column connections (7a, 7b) instead of a chromatography column in the chromatography system.