Disposable Centrifuge Container for Closed-System Clarification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for clarifying particle-containing liquids, such as depth-filtration and pelleting-bowl centrifugation, are costly, require manual intervention, and pose risks of contamination due to open systems, with no efficient recovery of pelletized material.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a centrifuge container with controlled rotational speeds and fluid ports for concentrating and flushing particles, allowing for closed-system operation and efficient recovery of both clarified liquid and pelletized particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If depth-filtration is used to clarify particle-containing liquids, then clarification is achieved, but the method becomes cost-intensive and requires manual intervention for filter renewal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable single-use centrifuge containers that are discarded after one use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex cleaning and sterilization procedures required for reusable filters. These containers are designed to be used once and then disposed of, significantly reducing operational complexity and manual intervention requirements while maintaining reliable clarification performance.
2Reliability
If pelleting-bowl centrifugation is used to remove small particles, then particle removal is achieved, but the system requires open operation resulting in contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes single-use centrifuge containers that remain sealed throughout the entire process, allowing the system to operate in a closed configuration. This eliminates exposure to the environment and prevents contamination while maintaining effective particle removal through centrifugal force. The disposable nature of the containers enables closed-system operation without the contamination risks associated with open pelleting-bowl systems.
3Productivity
If filters are clogged and need cleaning, then operational continuity is maintained, but the process becomes complicated requiring manual input and system opening
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring complex cleaning procedures and manual disassembly of clogged filters, the patent employs disposable centrifuge containers that are replaced rather than cleaned. This eliminates maintenance complexity entirely while maintaining operational continuity, as the simple act of replacing a container is far less complex than disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling filter systems.
4Ease of manufacture
If rotor disassembly is required to remove build-up material, then cleaning is achieved, but the system becomes non-operational for a period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for rotor disassembly and cleaning by using disposable centrifuge containers that are discarded after single use. This prevents build-up material accumulation entirely and eliminates downtime associated with cleaning operations, as the containers are replaced rather than cleaned. Productivity is maintained through this simple replacement approach.
5Ease of operation
If open systems are used for centrifugation, then material recovery is simplified, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable sealed centrifuge containers that enable closed-system operation, eliminating contamination risk while maintaining simple material recovery. The containers are designed with integrated outlets that allow straightforward recovery of clarified liquid and pelletized material through controlled opening after the centrifugation process, combining the benefits of closed-system operation with ease of material recovery.
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 method effectively produces clarified liquid and pelletized particles with reduced contamination risk and operational complexity, enabling efficient recovery and processing.
Implementation Method 1
rotating the rotor at a first rotational speed to concentrate the suspended particles at an outer end of the centrifuge container as a concentrated pellet; rotating the rotor at a second rotational speed and removing the liquid from the centrifuge container
Data Source
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AI summary
A centrifuge container for clarifying a liquid containing suspended particles is provided. The centrifuge container comprises: a connection end for connection to a centrifuge rotor; and an outer end for concentration of particles. The outer end is spaced from the connection end in a first direction along a longitudinal axis of the centrifuge container. The centrifuge container further comprises: a first fluid port at the connection end for flowing a liquid containing suspended particles into the centrifuge container; a second fluid port at the connection end for flowing the liquid containing suspended particles from the centrifuge container; and a flushing tube extending from the connection end towards the outer end, the flushing tube for delivering a flushing fluid to flush concentrated particles from the outer end.