Hexagonal Bioprocessing Vessel Cleanroom Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioprocessing vessels and support structures face challenges in installation within existing cleanrooms without modifying the interior, and they lack versatility and efficiency in mixing processes due to their design.
Innovation Solution
A flexible hexagonal bioprocessing vessel and a rigid support structure with a hexagonal interior are designed to facilitate easy installation and efficient mixing. The hexagonal vessel has a liquid level height to width ratio of ≤1, allowing it to be installed in existing cleanrooms without modifications, and its design promotes versatile mixing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If large capacity tanks (2000L-3000L) are designed with traditional cylindrical or cuboid shapes, then they can provide sufficient volume, but their height becomes too large to pass through standard cleanroom doors without interior modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hexagonal geometric shape for the bioprocessing vessel, which is a polyhedral form that optimizes space utilization while maintaining a compact profile. The hexagonal configuration allows the vessel to achieve large capacity (2000L-3000L) with reduced height compared to traditional cylindrical or cuboid designs, enabling passage through standard cleanroom doors without interior modifications.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional cuboid or cylindrical vessels are used, then they can be manufactured with standard designs, but they lack mixing versatility for different types of powders (floating vs. sinking)
Solution Approach 1:
The hexagonal vessel design incorporates multiple impeller assemblies positioned at different heights (top, middle, and bottom) that can be independently controlled. This multi-functional configuration enables the single vessel to handle diverse mixing applications including floating powders, sinking powders, and viscous materials, replacing the need for multiple specialized vessel designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel employs dynamically adjustable impeller systems where the speed and operation of each impeller can be independently controlled based on the specific mixing requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability allows optimization of mixing performance for different material types and process conditions, enhancing versatility while maintaining a standardized vessel structure.
3Area of stationary object
If tall and narrow vessel designs are used to reduce footprint, then they can fit in existing spaces, but mixing efficiency deteriorates due to limited power dissipation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing system is segmented into multiple independent impeller assemblies positioned at different vertical levels within the vessel. Each impeller serves a specific zone (top, middle, bottom), distributing the mixing function throughout the vessel volume. This segmentation enables effective power dissipation in a compact footprint by creating multiple localized mixing zones rather than relying on a single large impeller.
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 hexagonal bioprocessing vessel and support structure enable efficient and versatile mixing processes, allowing for the installation in existing cleanrooms without interior modifications, and providing improved mixing performance compared to traditional cubical or cylindrical vessels.
Implementation Method 1
a rigid support structure with a hexagonal interior that is configured to receive the hexagonal flexible bioprocessing vessel
Implementation Method 2
The hexagonal vessel has a liquid level height to width ratio of ≤1, allowing it to be installed in existing cleanrooms without modifications
Implementation Method 3
An impeller assembly that includes a rotating impeller having one or more blades is disposed within the bag and is used to mix the fluid
Implementation Method 4
cylindrical vessels generate a vortex but low levels of turbulence... hexagonal flexible bioprocessing vessel... provides improved mixing performance
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for supporting a flexible bioprocessing vessel includes a rigid body having a hexagonal interior that includes a bottom surface and six sides surrounding the bottom surface, the hexagonal interior having a substantially open top. The apparatus further includes a selectively openable door allowing access to the hexagonal interior and a stand portion attached to the rigid body, the stand portion allowing access to an underside of the rigid body. The hexagonal interior is configured to receive a hexagonal flexible bioprocessing vessel having a liquid level height to width ratio of ≤1.