Reconfigurable Flow Control Block for Chromatography Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current chromatography column systems lack flexibility in connecting modules in parallel, serial, or mixed modes without cumbersome external tubing connections, limiting scalability and requiring cumbersome validation and sterility verification.

Innovation Solution

A flow control block system that allows standardized chromatography column modules to be connected in various configurations using internal conduits and apertures, eliminating the need for external tubing and simplifying assembly and validation by using reconfigurable blocks with switch valves and connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If chromatography column modules are connected using external tubing connections, then flexibility in parallel and serial coupling is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in parallel and serial couplingVSAvoidcomplexity of external tubing connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the tubing connections directly into the column module housing, merging previously separate components (tubing and housing) into a unified structure. This eliminates the need for external tubing connections while maintaining the ability to couple modules in parallel or serial configurations through integrated connection ports and internal fluid pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The column modules are designed with universal connection interfaces that can accommodate both parallel and serial coupling configurations. The integrated housing contains multiple connection ports and internal conduits that enable the same module type to function in different system configurations without requiring separate tubing assemblies, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If standardized modules are used for assembly, then ease of manufacture and validation improve, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited connection configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of standardized module assemblyVSAvoidconnection configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized modules incorporate dynamic connection capabilities through integrated valves and switchable fluid pathways within the housing. These components allow the system to reconfigure between parallel and serial operations by changing valve positions, enabling a single standardized module type to adapt to different operational requirements without sacrificing manufacturing standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid distribution and collection systems are segmented into separate headers (feed header, exit header, bed inlet, bed outlet) within each module housing. This segmentation allows flexible reconfiguration of flow paths between modules while maintaining standardized module interfaces, enabling both parallel and serial coupling of standardized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3175232B1Stackable chromatography column modules and flow control blocks

Publication Date: 2022.11.30 CYTIVA BIOPROCESS R&D AB

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AI summary

The invention discloses a flow control block (221) for a stack of chromatography column modules (23, 23', 23", 23"'), as well as a stack of chromatography modules (23, 23', 23", 23"') comprising at least one flow control block (221). The flow control block (221) is in a first position or configuration capable of connecting two chromatography column modules (23,23'), or a chromatography column module (23,23"') and an endpiece (239), in parallel and in a second position or configuration it is capable of connecting two chromatography column modules, or a chromatography column module and an endpiece, in series.