Granular Adsorbent Protein Removal Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing proteins from carrier liquids in bioproduct downstream processing face challenges such as lack of continuous adsorption, long processing times, significant yield losses, and limited resin binding capacities in fluidized bed systems, which restrict the ability to increase protein concentration during elution.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a vertically disposed first subreactor where the carrier liquid flows co-currently with granular adsorbent, allowing increased contact time and throughput, and a second subreactor for washing and elution, utilizing counter-current flows and baffle elements to enhance protein adsorption and recovery, enabling continuous operation and repeated use of the adsorbent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If carrier liquid is introduced at the bottom of the first subreactor to flow co-currently with granular adsorbent, then contact time between adsorbent and carrier liquid is increased and throughput is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to additional feeding mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier liquid is introduced at the bottom of the first subreactor and flows upward in co-current direction with the granular adsorbent, which is the reverse of the conventional downward flow approach. This inversion enables the liquid to entrain the adsorbent particles upward, significantly increasing contact time and throughput while maintaining a relatively simple feeding mechanism using existing pumps and valves.
2Productivity
If granular adsorbent is transferred from first subreactor to second subreactor using pumping device or valve, then continuous operation is enabled, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the upward flow of carrier liquid in the first subreactor to counterbalance the weight of granular adsorbent particles, enabling them to be transported upward against gravity without requiring additional pumping energy. The liquid flow provides the necessary lift force, and gravity assists in the downward transfer in the second subreactor, minimizing external energy input for solid particle transport.
3Productivity
If carrier liquid flows co-currently with granular adsorbent from bottom to top, then protein adsorption efficiency is increased, but gravity acts against the flow direction requiring higher pumping power
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the flow rate of carrier liquid to optimize the balance between adsorption efficiency and pumping power requirements. By controlling the liquid velocity, the system maintains sufficient upward force to entrain adsorbent particles and maximize contact time for protein adsorption, while avoiding excessive pumping power consumption through optimized flow conditions.
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
This setup increases protein adsorption efficiency, reduces processing time, and allows for higher protein recovery, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by enhancing contact time and throughput while enabling efficient washing and elution of proteins from the adsorbent.
Implementation Method 1
the granular adsorbent takes up and temporarily stores proteins
Implementation Method 2
by the carrier liquid entraining some or all of the granular adsorbent with it
Implementation Method 3
so that deposition of the proteins from the granular adsorbent into a washing liquid is enabled
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for removing proteins taken up in a carrier liquid, which includes a granular adsorbent for proteins. Also, a method for removing proteins taken up in a carrier liquid, with a corresponding apparatus. Further, the use of a corresponding apparatus, for extracting proteins from a liquid and more particularly from an unclarified feedstock.