FTIR Sensor with Ultrasonic Standing Wave for Bioreactor Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing FTIR absorption spectroscopy methods face challenges in direct monitoring of processes within bioreactors due to equipment complexity and sedimentation requirements, which can alter chemical parameters and lead to particle deposition on sensor surfaces, necessitating additional cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
An FTIR absorption spectroscopy device with an ATR sensor and ultrasonic transmitter integrated into a reactor wall, allowing for direct measurements by generating a standing ultrasonic wave that concentrates particles away from the sensor surface, reducing sedimentation and equipment needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate flow cell is used to supply substances to the measuring point, then measurement can be performed, but additional equipment and complex lines are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the measurement function directly into the bioreactor by integrating the ATR sensor onto the reactor wall, eliminating the need for a separate flow cell and associated piping system. This allows spectroscopy measurement to be performed directly within the reactor environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The reactor wall serves multiple functions: it provides structural containment and simultaneously supports the integrated ATR sensor for spectroscopy measurement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement equipment and complex fluid transport lines.
2Measurement precision
If particles are allowed to sediment on the sensor surface for measurement, then spectroscopy can be performed, but particle deposition requires additional cleaning processes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs ultrasonic vibration applied to the ATR sensor surface to prevent particle deposition and biofilm formation. The mechanical vibration disrupts particle-sensor interactions, keeping the sensor surface clean and eliminating the need for additional cleaning processes while maintaining measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If ultrasonic standing wave is used to concentrate particles, then particle manipulation is improved, but particles are pushed to pressure nodes creating agglomerates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the ultrasonic frequency parameter to match the natural resonance frequency of the bioreactor system, creating a standing wave pattern where pressure nodes are positioned away from the sensor surface. This parameter optimization allows particle concentration for measurement while preventing unwanted agglomerate formation on the sensor.
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 direct, efficient process monitoring within bioreactors with reduced equipment complexity and sedimentation, maintaining chemical parameter integrity by controlling particle agglomeration and deposition, thus facilitating rapid and accurate measurements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultrasonic transmitter (10) for generating an ultrasonic field in the form of a standing wave
Implementation Method 2
axial (primary) sound radiation forces act on particles present in the flow cell, in particular on particles deposited on the sensor surface
Implementation Method 3
FTIR absorption spectroscopy, with an ATR sensor... total reflection of introduced infrared radiation takes place in the course of spectroscopy
Implementation Method 4
FTIR-ATR flow cell (FTIR Fourier transformation infrared; ATR-attenuated total reflection)... total reflection at the interfaces of the ATR crystal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for FTIR absorption spectroscopy, comprising an ATR sensor (5) and at least one ultrasonic transmitter (10) for generating an ultrasonic field in the manner of a standing wave, wherein the ATR sensor (5) and the ultrasonic transmitter (10) are connected to a mounting (4), which is equipped for attachment in a wall (2) or cover of a reactor (3) and which is equipped to hold the ATR sensor (5) and the ultrasonic transmitter (10) in the freely protruding manner into the inside of the reactor (3) in the mounted state.