Filter Device Fluid Recovery via Sterile Gas Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved methods and systems to recover retained filtered fluid in filter systems, particularly in closed systems used in the pharmaceutical industry, where loss of filtered fluid can be costly and impact the availability of critical products during clinical trials.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves passing sterile air or gas through the filter device and fluid flow path to displace retained filtered fluid into a receiving container, with the container optionally angled to facilitate the recovery of retained fluid, using a filter device with a porous medium and a housing having an inlet and outlet defining a filtration flow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If filtered fluid is retained in the housing between the downstream side of the porous filter medium and the outlet, then the filtration function is maintained, but fluid loss increases and recovery is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by introducing sterile gas through the fluid flow path before the displacement step, ensuring the path is prepared and sterile conditions are maintained in advance of the actual fluid recovery operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic pressure by introducing sterile gas (air or other gases) through the fluid flow path to create pressure that displaces retained filtered fluid from the housing into the receiving container, enabling recovery without mechanical intervention
2Quantity of substance
If sterile air and/or sterile gas is passed through the outlet into the housing to displace retained filtered fluid, then fluid recovery is achieved, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sterile gas (such as sterile air or other inert gases) to create a sterile atmosphere during the displacement process, preventing contamination of the recovered filtered fluid while enabling complete recovery from the housing
Solution Approach 2:
Sterile gas acts as an intermediary medium that transfers momentum and pressure through the fluid flow path to displace retained filtered fluid, enabling recovery without direct mechanical contact that could introduce contaminants
3Productivity
If the filtered fluid receiving container is angled to facilitate recovery, then displacement efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic positioning by angling the filtered fluid receiving container during the displacement operation to optimize gravity-assisted flow, then returning to a standard position afterward, allowing efficiency improvement without permanent structural modification
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
Effectively recovers retained filtered fluid, reducing losses and maintaining the integrity of expensive filtered fluids, ensuring adequate quantities for further processing and clinical data generation, while being compatible with integrity testing and suitable for various filtration systems and fluids.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the sterile air and/or the sterile gas to pass from the filtered fluid receiving container along the fluid flow path and through the outlet into the housing of the filter device, and displacing retained filtered fluid into the filtered fluid receiving container
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for recovering retained filtered fluid are provided.