Heat Exchange Module for Flexible Bioreactor Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microbial bioreactors face challenges in heat removal due to the poor heat conductivity of polymeric materials used in flexible containers, which can lead to inefficient temperature control and potential overheating during microbial cell cultures.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchange module is introduced, featuring a thermally conductive surface and a fluid circulation path to facilitate heat transfer, with integral baffles that enhance mixing and contact with the flexible container, allowing for efficient temperature regulation by circulating a heat exchange fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If polymeric materials are used for flexible container walls, then flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but heat transfer capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible container wall is constructed as a composite structure with multiple layers including polymeric materials for flexibility and thermally conductive materials (such as aluminum or stainless steel) for heat transfer. This composite construction allows the container to maintain both flexibility and effective thermal conductivity for temperature control during microbial fermentation processes.
2Productivity
If vigorous agitation is used to increase oxygen absorption, then oxygen supply rate is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat generated by vigorous agitation and microbial metabolism is extracted from the fermentation medium through the flexible container wall to a cooling jacket or heat exchange system. This allows the system to maintain high agitation speeds for adequate oxygen supply while simultaneously removing the excessive heat that would otherwise accumulate and compromise process control.
3Temperature
If cooling surfaces are added to remove heat, then heat removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible container wall serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural containment for the fermentation medium, maintains flexibility for ease of handling and setup, and acts as a thermal interface for heat exchange with the cooling jacket. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate, complex cooling surface installations while achieving effective temperature control.
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 solution effectively addresses the heat removal issue in microbial bioreactors by improving heat transfer and mixing within the reactor system, enabling precise temperature control and maintaining optimal conditions for microbial cell cultures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one thermally conductive surface adapted to contact the single use reactant container to facilitate heat transfer
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger disposed at the outer surface of the body, the heat exchanger comprising a fluid circulation path through which a heat exchange fluid can be circulated around the circumference of the body and into and out of a channel in the at least one strong baffle, such that when the flexible container is inserted into the chamber, a fluid within the flexible container is heated or cooled by the heat exchange fluid
Implementation Method 3
at least one integral strong baffle forming a protrusion into the central chamber; wherein the body is an elongate body having a top end and a bottom end and is adapted to be inserted into the reactor vessel such that the body extends at least a substantial portion of the distance between a top and a bottom of the reactor vessel
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a heat exchange module for use in a chemical, pharmaceutical or biological reactor system, the module configured to be disposed in the reactor system having a flexible single use container, and including at least one thermally conductive surface adapted to contact the flexible single use container to facilitate heat transfer, and a fluid circulation path through which a heat exchange fluid can be circulated.