Diaphragm Pump Mixing System for Sterile Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing technologies for fluids in industries like chemical and biotechnological applications face challenges such as contamination, mechanical damage to delicate components, and impracticality due to the need for bulky equipment, especially when dealing with sterile and shear-sensitive mixtures.
Innovation Solution
A diaphragm pump system integrated with a flexible or disposable storage vessel that minimizes contact points with the fluid, uses a flexible membrane to move fluid in and out, and imparts rotational flow for homogenization without mechanical devices, allowing for low-shear mixing and easy sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If internal mechanical devices such as paddles or impellers are used for mixing, then mixing efficiency is improved, but contamination risk increases and re-sterilization is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the mechanical mixing elements (paddles, impellers) from the fluid environment by using an external diaphragm pump system. The pump is positioned outside the fluid container and moves fluid through external tubing, eliminating direct mechanical contact with the fluid and thus preventing contamination while maintaining effective mixing through fluid circulation and directional flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces external tubing and a diaphragm pump as intermediary elements between the mixing mechanism and the fluid. These intermediaries transfer the mixing function from direct mechanical contact to indirect fluid movement, allowing effective mixing while maintaining fluid sterility and preventing contamination.
2Productivity
If internal mechanical devices are used for mixing, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but delicate components may be damaged due to shear forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes mechanical mixing elements from direct contact with the fluid, replacing them with an external pump system that circulates fluid through tubing. This extraction eliminates high-shear mechanical forces while maintaining mixing effectiveness through controlled fluid movement and directional flow patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical mixing system (impellers, paddles) with a diaphragm pump-based fluid circulation system. This substitution uses pump-driven flow and directional movement to achieve mixing without the high shear forces that damage delicate components, thereby maintaining mixing effectiveness while protecting sensitive materials.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If recirculating tubes are used with a peristaltic pump, then fluid can be moved without mechanical contact, but tubing integrity may be compromised by fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a diaphragm pump that uses pneumatic or hydraulic actuation to move fluid through the system. The diaphragm mechanism creates pressure differentials that drive fluid circulation without requiring high-pressure tubing, thereby maintaining tubing integrity while preventing contamination through contactless fluid handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the fluid transport system by using a diaphragm pump with controlled pressure differentials instead of high-pressure peristaltic pumping. This parameter change reduces stress on tubing while maintaining effective fluid circulation and contamination prevention.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire fluid vessel is moved for mixing, then mixing can be achieved without mechanical devices, but the equipment becomes bulky and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the mixing function from the fluid vessel by using an external diaphragm pump system. Instead of moving the entire vessel, the system separates fluid circulation (performed by the pump) from vessel positioning, thereby eliminating the need for bulky moving apparatus while maintaining contamination-free mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a diaphragm pump and tubing system as intermediaries between the mixing function and the fluid vessel. This intermediary system enables effective mixing through controlled fluid circulation without requiring movement of the entire vessel, thereby reducing equipment bulk while preventing mechanical contamination.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, low-shear, and contamination-free mixing process that maintains the integrity of fluid components, reduces equipment bulk, and simplifies sterilization by using disposable components, ensuring efficient and sterile fluid mixing.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible membrane disposed between the fluid chamber housing and the secondary chamber housing
Implementation Method 2
The pump can include an outer casing having a first member forming the outer walls of a fluid chamber, the first member including a radially protruding first flange, a second member can form the outer walls of a secondary chamber
Implementation Method 3
The expelled fluid can impart a rotation flow to fluid within the hollow portion
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for mixing a fluid including a storage vessel including a hollow portion for holding the fluid, the hollow portion including at least one access port, the at least one access port adapted to at least one of receive and expel fluid and a diaphragm pump in fluid communication with and removeably coupled to the vessel, the pump adapted to move fluid into and/or out of the hollow portion. Either the vessel or the pump can be disposable. Also, at least one portion of the vessel can be made of a flexible material that takes shape in relation to the contents of the hollow portion. Also, the fluid can be moved between the vessel and the pump by natural or artificial pressure.