Integral Fluid Conduit in Bioprocessing Bag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioprocessing systems face issues with fluid addition, such as misalignment and interference with agitators, due to the use of J-tubes and dip tubes, which can lead to contamination and integrity loss.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a fluid conduit within the bioprocessing bag, featuring a panel of material welded or heat-sealed to the interior sidewall, creating a fluid channel with a bottom outlet opening in communication with the interior volume, and top and bottom ports for controlled fluid introduction and circulation, acting as a sparger, filter, or temperature regulator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If J-tubes are used for fluid addition, then fluid can be introduced into the bag, but misalignment and manual intervention are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluid conduit with the bag structure by integrating the conduit directly into the bag wall, eliminating the need for separate J-tubes that require manual alignment. The conduit becomes an inherent part of the bag assembly, ensuring proper orientation and eliminating misalignment issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated conduit design allows the bag structure to self-align and self-position the fluid addition point, eliminating the need for manual intervention to orient J-tubes. The conduit's fixed integration with the bag ensures automatic proper positioning during operation.
2Ease of operation
If dip tubes are used for fluid addition, then fluid can be introduced into the bag, but entanglement with agitator and integrity loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluid conduit with the bag structure, eliminating separate dip tubes that can entangle with agitators. The integrated conduit is fixed to the bag wall and positioned to avoid interference with mixing components, ensuring both operational ease and structural reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate fluid lines and sensors are coupled to the bag, then monitoring and liquid transfer can be performed, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (fluid addition, monitoring, temperature control) directly into the bag structure through built-in conduits and sensors, eliminating the need for multiple external connections. This reduces the number of potential contamination points while maintaining full monitoring and liquid transfer capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated conduit system serves multiple functions simultaneously - fluid addition, temperature regulation, and sensor placement - all through a unified structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing contamination risk while maintaining versatility.
4Ease of operation
If spargers are positioned away from agitator, then gas distribution can occur, but mixing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sparger system with the agitator assembly, positioning gas distribution points in close proximity to the mixing elements. This integration ensures optimal gas-liquid contact and mixing efficiency while maintaining proper gas distribution throughout the bag.
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 solution eliminates misalignment issues, prevents mechanical interference with agitators, and allows for sterile, efficient fluid addition and circulation, enhancing the bioprocessing system's reliability and aseptic integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a panel of material joined to an interior sidewall of the flexible bag
Implementation Method 2
a panel of material joined to an interior sidewall of the flexible bag
Implementation Method 3
an integral fluid conduit within the flexible bioprocessing bag... defining a fluid channel between the interior sidewall of the flexible bag and the panel of material
Data Source
AI summary
A bioprocessing apparatus includes a flexible bag having an interior volume configured to contain a fluid, and an integral fluid conduit within the flexible bioprocessing bag. The integral fluid conduit includes a panel of material joined to an interior sidewall of the flexible bag so as to define a fluid channel between the interior sidewall of the flexible bag and the panel of material. The integral fluid conduit may include a bottom outlet opening, a top outlet opening, or both. The apparatus may further include a port in a top of the flexible bag, a port in the bottom of the flexible bag, or both, wherein the integral fluid conduit is fluidly connected to the ports.