Fermenter Sampling Probe with Non-Return Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sampling devices for fermenters suffer from dead volume issues, leading to economic inefficiencies and potential contamination of samples, limited sample volume, and sterility concerns due to complex filter installations, restricting the number of samples that can be taken per unit time.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a non-return valve element within a sample probe, where gas and discharge lines are arranged to operate under negative and positive pressure, allowing for automatic opening and closing, ensuring sterile sampling without dead volume, and enabling efficient, automated sampling with precise control over sample volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bacteriological filter is installed to ensure sterility, then sampling sterility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bacteriological filter from the sampling device, extracting the problematic component that caused complexity. Instead of filtering, the invention uses a non-return valve combined with negative pressure suction to achieve sterile sampling without the filter membrane that created structural complications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical filter system with a pressure-based mechanical system. Using negative pressure suction and a non-return valve, the system achieves sterility through pressure differential control rather than physical filtration, simplifying the overall device structure
2Reliability
If an intermediate space is created for filter installation, then sterility is improved, but dead volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the intermediate space required for filter installation by removing the filter component entirely. The sampling path is streamlined to go directly from the fermenter through the non-return valve to the sample container, eliminating dead volume while maintaining sterility through alternative means
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a continuous sampling path without interruptions for filter installation. The negative pressure suction continuously draws sample through the non-return valve directly into the container, eliminating the dead space that would otherwise accumulate in intermediate filtering chambers
3Reliability
If a non-return valve is used for sterile sampling, then sterility is improved, but sample volume is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sampling system dynamic by using negative pressure suction that can be adjusted to control sample volume. The non-return valve remains open during suction to allow variable volume sampling, then closes to seal the system for sterility, enabling both large volumes and sterile conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing negative pressure before sampling to ensure the non-return valve opens properly and the sampling path is clear. This preliminary pressure establishment ensures that when sampling begins, the full desired volume can be drawn without restriction from the valve mechanism
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
Enables sterile, cost-effective sampling without dead volume, allowing for higher sample throughput and improved sterility by completely emptying the system after each use, facilitating online measurements and integration with detection systems.
Implementation Method 1
an element which acts as a non-return valve is arranged within a sample probe as an inlet for the liquid sample... automatically opening and closing of the element which acts as a non-return valve is achieved by means of the pressure difference between the first container and the lines of the device
Implementation Method 2
Automatic closing of the element which acts as a non-return valve is then achieved by means of a positive pressure that is generated by a supplied gas within the line arrangement
Implementation Method 3
the sample that is to be taken is completely discharged from the lines and possibly from the second container via the discharge line by means of the positive pressure brought about by the gas
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for taking liquid or gaseous samples from containers and/or tubes that are filled with a medium, in particular from fermenters, by means of negative pressure, wherein an element which acts as a non-return valve is arranged within a sample probe as an inlet for the sample that is to be taken, and a supply line which is able to convey gas and a discharge line which is able to discharge sample are arranged on a common side of the element.