Laterally-fed membrane chromatography device for uniform flow distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Membrane chromatography devices, particularly stacked disc and radial flow formats, suffer from poor fluid flow distribution leading to inefficient breakthrough binding capacities and suboptimal utilization of membrane surfaces due to central saturation and large dead volumes.
Innovation Solution
A laterally-fed membrane chromatography device is developed, where a frame is formed around a membrane stack using a master mold and thermoplastic polymer, allowing for uniform fluid distribution across the membrane surfaces, thereby improving flow distribution and reducing dead volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If stacked disc devices are used with central feed entry, then fabrication is simplified, but flow distribution becomes poor leading to central saturation and poor breakthrough binding capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional central feed entry design by implementing lateral feed entry at the edges of the membrane stack. This inversion allows feed to enter uniformly across the perimeter and distribute radially inward, preventing central saturation and improving breakthrough binding capacity while maintaining ease of fabrication through simple modular stacking
2Productivity
If radial flow devices are used for large-scale purification, then processing capacity increases, but device volume utilization becomes extremely poor due to large dead volumes and central core
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the membrane stack into multiple thin disc layers stacked vertically, eliminating the need for a large central support core. This segmentation allows feed to flow laterally through narrow gaps between stacked membranes, dramatically improving volume utilization while maintaining large-scale processing capacity through modular stacking
3Reliability
If conventional membrane devices are used, then separation is achieved, but fluid flow distribution is poor leading to shallow breakthrough and poor binding capacity utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating uniform flow distribution across different regions of the membrane stack through lateral feed entry. The design ensures that both central and peripheral regions receive equivalent feed flow, preventing localized saturation and maximizing binding capacity utilization throughout the entire membrane surface area
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 laterally-fed design enhances membrane utilization, improves breakthrough binding capacity, and achieves more uniform fluid flow, leading to higher efficiency and resolution in chromatographic separations compared to traditional devices.
Implementation Method 1
The material is a thermoplastic polymer that is injected into the master mold as a liquid and hardens when cooled
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming a frame around a membrane stack for a laterally-fed membrane chromatography device is provided. The method includes placing a membrane stack having one or more membrane layers on a bottom surface of body of a master mold, the body having opposed side walls and opposed end walls, the opposed side walls spaced apart by a distance greater than a length of the membrane stack, the opposed end walls spaced apart by a distance greater than a width of the membrane stack; placing a cap on the body of the master mold to enclose the membrane stack in the master mold, the cap having at least one opening for injecting a material into a space defined by the end walls of the master mold, the side walls of the master mold, end walls of the membrane stack side walls of the membrane stack, the bottom surface of the body and an inner surface of the cap; injecting the material into the space around the membrane stack; and curing the material to form a frame around the membrane stack.