Fixed Volume Aseptic Sampling Valve Bioreactor Sterility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sampling techniques for bioreactors are labor-intensive and prone to contamination, requiring multiple steps to ensure sample quality and safety in biologically and chemically active environments.
Innovation Solution
A sampling system comprising a sanitizing fluid inlet valve, gas inlet valve, sample collection valve, outlet valve, and a fixed volume reservoir, which allows for controlled sanitization and sample collection while minimizing contamination risks through a modular, compact design that includes a fluid flow path and optional pumps for pressure differentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sampling techniques are used, then sample quality can be maintained through multiple careful steps, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sampling steps into a single integrated valve assembly that performs sanitization, sampling, and discharge operations through one unified device, eliminating the need for separate manual operations while maintaining sample quality
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly performs self-sanitization by circulating sanitizing fluid through its own internal passages and components, eliminating the need for external manual cleaning operations while ensuring contamination-free sampling
2Reliability
If multiple manual steps are performed to ensure sample quality, then contamination risk is reduced, but the sampling process requires frequent operator attention
Solution Approach 1:
The automated valve assembly performs self-sanitization and self-sampling operations without operator intervention, enabling frequent sampling while maintaining contamination prevention through automated controlled procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated valve system that uses controlled fluid dynamics and automated sequencing to perform sampling operations, eliminating the need for frequent operator attention
3Device complexity
If a compact modular design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fluid flow path must efficiently handle multiple functions in limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into distinct functional segments (sanitizing fluid inlet, sample collection, discharge pathways) that can be independently controlled through separate valves, simplifying the overall design while enabling complex multi-function operation
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly performs multiple functions (sanitization, sampling, discharge) through a single universal device structure, reducing the number of separate components needed while maintaining efficient fluid flow control through each function
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 system enables consistent, high-quality sample collection with reduced labor requirements and minimized contamination risks, facilitating frequent sampling while maintaining bioreactor sterility.
Implementation Method 1
The reservoir can include a pump that is configured to draw the sample into the reservoir through a reservoir inlet and direct the sample out of the reservoir through a reservoir outlet
Implementation Method 2
the drawing of the sample into the fixed volume reservoir is achieved as a result of pressure differentials and the bioreactor is maintained under pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A sample can be collected from an enclosed container by opening a sample collection valve and drawing the sample from the enclosed container. After delivery of the sample out of a fluid flow path, a sanitizing fluid can be directed along the fluid flow path to sanitize the fluid flow path.