Multicomponent Fluid Homogenization via Serpentine Channel Flow Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for homogenizing multicomponent fluids, such as cell suspensions, are inadequate for achieving high homogeneity, especially in small volumes and sensitive fluids, as they often cause damage, are ineffective for longitudinal mixing, and result in heterogeneity due to inertial lift forces and viscous effects, leading to inaccurate dosing in industries like biopharmaceuticals.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a main channel, buffer channels, and a collector with a flow separation point, along with a pumping unit and control unit, allows for the controlled movement of fluid between channels to achieve homogenization by distributing the fluid content successively between buffer channels and back to the main channel, ensuring minimal residual volume and simultaneous flow to achieve complete homogenization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vortex mixing with a rotor is used to homogenize multicomponent fluids, then mixing intensity is improved, but fluid components may be damaged and homogeneity is reduced due to inertial lift forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotor-based vortex mixing system with a passive flow-based mixing system using serpentine channels and obstacles. This substitution eliminates direct mechanical contact with fluid components while achieving effective mixing through flow path design, thereby preventing component damage from high shear stresses and inertial lift forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces serpentine flow paths and stationary obstacles as intermediaries to induce mixing. These elements create secondary flows and vortices that enhance mixing efficiency without requiring direct mechanical agitation, thus avoiding damage to sensitive fluid components while maintaining mixing intensity.
2Productivity
If rotor-based vortex mixing is used, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but device integration into single use closed systems becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mixing function from the mechanical rotor system and embeds it directly into the flow channel geometry itself. The serpentine channels and obstacles are integrated into the single-use cartridge design, eliminating the need for separate mechanical mixing components and enabling straightforward integration into closed single-use systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mixing function with the flow transport function by designing serpentine channels that simultaneously guide fluid flow and induce mixing through their geometry. This integration eliminates the need for separate mixing mechanisms and simplifies system architecture for single-use implementations.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional mixing is used for small volumes, then mixing coverage is improved, but viscous effects reduce mixing efficiency due to reduced Kolmogorov length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the flow channel with localized mixing zones featuring serpentine paths and obstacles strategically positioned to maximize mixing efficiency at specific locations. This local optimization ensures effective mixing in small volumes by creating high shear regions and secondary flows where needed, compensating for reduced Kolmogorov length scales.
4Ease of operation
If vortex shaker mixing is used, then fluid agitation is improved, but heterogeneity increases due to inertial lift forces concentrating particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using slow, laminar flow through serpentine channels instead of rapid vortex mixing. This reverse strategy achieves homogenization through cumulative effect of multiple flow reversals and secondary flows, preventing particle concentration effects while maintaining effective agitation.
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 device effectively homogenizes multicomponent fluids, reducing residual volume and achieving high precision dosing by ensuring thorough mixing without shear stress, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies in achieving complete homogeneity and accuracy in dosing.
Implementation Method 1
a pumping unit and a control unit configured to: move the multicomponent fluid from the main channel to the first or the second buffer channels through the collector, and move the multicomponent fluid from the first or the second buffer channels to the main channel through the collector
Implementation Method 2
said collector further comprising a flow separation point aimed at dividing the main conduct into the first and second fibers
Data Source
AI summary
A device for homogenizing a multicomponent fluid including a main channel, a first and a second buffer channels, a collector connected to the main channel with a main conduct, to the first buffer channel with a first fiber and to the second buffer channel with a second fiber. The collector further includes a flow separation point aimed at dividing the main conduct into the first and second fibers, a pumping unit configured to move the multicomponent fluid from the main channel to the first or the second buffer channels through the collector and move the multicomponent fluid from the first or the second buffer channels to the main channel through the collector.