Liquid Recovery Filter Assembly Sterile Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filtration systems face challenges in efficiently recovering valuable filtered liquids from filter apparatuses without compromising sterility or causing contamination, especially due to high bubble point pressures of filter materials, which can lead to physical integrity issues and mixing of unfiltered and filtered liquids.
Innovation Solution
The liquid recovery filter assembly incorporates a design with specific port and valve configurations, including a recovery port and aspiration tube, to allow for the sterile recovery of filtered liquids using low-pressure gas, preventing contamination and maintaining the integrity of the filtration system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-pressure gas is introduced to force liquids out of the filter assembly, then liquid recovery is improved, but the physical integrity of the filter element and assembly is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into separate functional zones with dedicated ports: a first port for introducing pressurized gas into the upstream side, a second port for recovering liquid from the downstream side, and a third port for venting. This segmentation allows the gas pressurization and liquid recovery operations to be decoupled, enabling liquid recovery without requiring excessive pressure that would compromise the filter element's physical integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A one-way valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the downstream side and the recovery port. This valve mediates the liquid recovery process by allowing liquid to flow into the recovery port while preventing backflow and excessive pressure transmission to the filter element, thus protecting the filter's physical integrity while maintaining recovery efficiency.
2Productivity
If high-pressure gas is introduced to clear downstream liquid, then liquid recovery is improved, but contamination of filtered liquid occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the gas introduction path and liquid recovery path into distinct ports and flow paths. The pressurized gas enters through the first port on the upstream side, while the filtered liquid is recovered through the second port on the downstream side. This spatial segmentation prevents mixing of gas and liquid streams, ensuring that the filtered liquid remains pure and uncontaminated during the recovery process.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way valve acts as an intermediary that controls the flow direction of the liquid stream. It allows the liquid to be drawn into the recovery port while preventing any backflow or mixing with the pressurized gas stream, thereby maintaining the purity of the filtered liquid and preventing contamination.
3Reliability
If pressurized gas is introduced at pressures below bubble point, then filter material integrity is maintained, but liquid evacuation is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the pressure application point from the liquid recovery point. Pressurized gas is introduced at the upstream side through the first port at controlled pressures below the bubble point to maintain filter material integrity. Simultaneously, the downstream liquid is evacuated through the second port using the pressure differential created, without requiring pressures high enough to compromise the filter material. The segmentation allows these two functions to operate independently at optimal pressure levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point pressure application approach to a multi-point pressure differential approach. Instead of applying high pressure at one location to force liquid out, the system creates a pressure differential by introducing gas at the upstream side while maintaining lower pressure at the downstream recovery port. This dimensional shift in pressure management enables liquid evacuation without exceeding the bubble point pressure that would damage the filter material.
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 enables effective and sterile recovery of filtered liquids from filter apparatuses, reducing liquid loss and maintaining the purity and sterility of the filtered products, while avoiding the physical integrity issues associated with high-pressure gas use.
Implementation Method 1
the filter element conventionally has a generally toroidal configuration wherein the unfiltered liquid passes through the filter element from outside the filter and through the filter material to a hollow inner core
Implementation Method 2
One method used to remove the resident filtered liquids is to introduce pressurized gas into the system to force the liquids out of the filter assembly
Implementation Method 3
When the filtration material of the filter element is wetted (as is typically the case after use for liquid processing), bulk gas flow through the filter element is blocked by the wetted filter material at pressures below the bubble point pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid recovery filter assembly for recovering filtered liquid trapped within a core or downstream side of a filter element. Multiple embodiments each include a recovery port and a recovery filter in fluid communication with the core or downstream side of the filter element. The recovery port is opened following filtration operations to permit and to facilitate filtered liquid to flow from a downstream or outlet port, thus allowing recovery of liquid remaining in the filter core or downstream side following filtering operations. The recovery filter permits the introduction of pressurized gas to force the filtered liquids from the filter assembly without compromising the sterility and/or non-contaminant condition of the liquid. Additional aspects include exchangeable filter cartridges or filter elements in single and multi-round configurations, embodiments with aspiration tubes and dip tubes and still others with hydrophilic/hydrophobic recovery filters that function as filters and as valves for the recovery port.