Encapsulated Fluid Conduits for High-Pressure Flexible Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid management systems in pharmaceutical and biological production processes are complex and inefficient due to the use of reinforced tubing, which restricts bending, causes hold-up volumes, and is costly, leading to financial losses and increased organizational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A fluid management system utilizing unreinforced conduits encapsulated with rigid members, such as two-part valve bodies and jackets, to connect subsystems without the need for reinforced tubing, allowing for flexible routing and reduced hold-up volumes while withstanding high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforced tubing is used to connect subsystems, then the conduit can withstand high pressure, but the conduit cannot be bent with sharp turns and requires long radius sections making the system organizationally complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid transport function into two separate components: unreinforced flexible tubing for routing and bending, and rigid encapsulating members (valve bodies, jackets) for pressure containment. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The unreinforced tubing acts as an intermediary element that transmits fluid between rigid encapsulating members. The tubing provides flexibility and ease of routing, while the rigid members provide structural strength and pressure containment, mediating between the conflicting requirements of flexibility and strength.
2Strength
If reinforced tubing is used to connect subsystems, then the conduit can withstand high pressure, but the conduit requires long sections increasing hold-up volumes and causing financial loss
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into flexible unreinforced tubing and rigid encapsulating members, the design eliminates the need for long reinforced tubing sections. The flexible tubing can be routed efficiently in short lengths, minimizing hold-up volumes while the rigid members provide necessary pressure containment at connection points.
3Ease of operation
If unreinforced conduit is used for flexible routing, then the conduit can be bent easily and reduces hold-up volumes, but the conduit cannot withstand significant pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the pressure containment function from the routing function. Unreinforced conduit handles the routing and bending operations with ease, while rigid encapsulating members (valve bodies, jackets) are positioned at critical points to provide pressure containment, allowing each component to excel at its designated function.
4Strength
If reinforced tubing is used to connect subsystems, then the conduit can withstand high pressure, but the cost is significantly higher compared to unreinforced tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The design segments the system to use inexpensive unreinforced tubing for the majority of the fluid transport pathway, significantly reducing material costs. Rigid pressure-containing components are used only where absolutely necessary for structural integrity, minimizing the use of expensive materials while maintaining safety and functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid management systems for handling pressurized fluid connect various subsystems or subunits without the need to use reinforced tubing. The system utilizes one or more segments of unreinforced conduit that are encapsulated at various points along a length of the segment with one or more rigid encapsulating members. The unreinforced conduit may be made a disposable element while the rigid encapsulating members may be re-used. In one aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part valve body that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. In another aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part jacket that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. The two-part valve bodies and two-part jackets may be joined at various points within the system as part of the overall flow system.