Disposable Frustoconical Flow Cell for Non-Destructive Particle Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical particle counters destroy liquid samples due to contamination from cleaning solution residues and require large sample volumes, which is costly for expensive pharmaceuticals like therapeutic proteins, and do not allow for non-destructive analysis.
Innovation Solution
A single-use, disposable container with a frustoconical shape and smooth surfaces for sealing, allowing for non-destructive analysis with reduced sample contact and cleaning time, using a method that involves flowing the sample in opposite directions through an optical measuring device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If known optical particle counters are used to analyze liquid samples, then particle detection is achieved, but the liquid sample is destroyed due to contamination from cleaning solution residues
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample analysis process into separate modules: a first container for initial sample holding, a disposable flow cell for actual measurement, and a second container for sample recovery. This segmentation allows the sample to be separated from the measurement interface, preventing contamination of the sample itself while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cell is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for cleaning and sample recovery operations. This disposable approach prevents contamination of the valuable liquid sample while maintaining measurement functionality, as the disposable flow cell absorbs any potential contaminants rather than the sample.
2Measurement precision
If known optical particle counters analyze liquid samples, then particle count is obtained, but large amounts of liquid sample are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the minimal necessary sample volume for analysis by using a disposable flow cell that requires very little liquid to establish proper flow and measurement conditions. The majority of the sample remains in the first and second containers, allowing for reduced sample consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If the flow path is cleaned between samples, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but cleaning solution residues contaminate the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for cleaning and sample recovery operations. This disposable approach prevents contamination of the valuable liquid sample while maintaining measurement functionality, as the disposable flow cell absorbs any potential contaminants rather than the sample.
4Ease of manufacture
If the inner surface of the frustoconical shape is not polished, then manufacturing is easier, but sample adheres to the surface forming particles
Solution Approach 1:
The polishing treatment is applied selectively to the inner surface of the frustoconical flow cell, providing a smooth surface where sample contact occurs to prevent adhesion and particle formation. Other external surfaces may have different finishes, applying quality only where functionally necessary.
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 preserves the sample integrity, reduces cleaning solution and drying time, and minimizes particle formation, enabling accurate analysis with minimal sample loss and contamination.
Implementation Method 1
Detecting particulate contaminants may be detected by an optical particle counter. Optical particle counters may be used to measure the amount of subvisible particles if present in a liquid sample using light obscuration and scattering techniques.
Implementation Method 2
Detecting particulate contaminants may be detected by an optical particle counter. Optical particle counters may be used to measure the amount of subvisible particles if present in a liquid sample using light obscuration and scattering techniques.
Implementation Method 3
a surface average roughness (Ra) of not more than about 0.15 μm of the inner surface of the frustoconical shape is necessary to reduce the amount of testing sample that may adhere to the surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for a single-use, disposable container and methods and apparatuses for testing liquid samples in a non-destructive fashion using the single-use, disposable container within a liquid sample analyzer. The single-use, disposable container reduces the overall sample volume contact within a flow path of the liquid sample analyzer, decreases the cleaning solution and drying time needed between sample analyses, and minimizes formation of particles during use of the container.