Modular Bio-Processing Column With Adjustable Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bio-product processing apparatuses are labor-intensive and time-consuming to maintain, requiring heavy lifting equipment for maintenance operations, and have limited flexibility in processing scale and production capacity.
Innovation Solution
A modular bio-product processing apparatus with a processing column comprising an upper and lower column tube, an adapter for adjusting the processing chamber volume and bed height, and a column stand for easy maintenance and part replacement, allowing for hoist-free operation and increased production throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single integrated processing column is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but maintenance becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming requiring heavy lifting equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The processing column is divided into multiple separable modules including upper column tube, lower column tube, processing chamber, and adapter components. This segmentation allows individual modules to be removed, cleaned, and maintained independently without requiring heavy lifting equipment or complete disassembly of the entire column system.
2Device complexity
If a fixed processing chamber volume is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but flexibility in processing scale is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter can be positioned at different heights within the lower column tube to dynamically adjust the processing chamber volume and bed height. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to accommodate different processing scales and production requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
3Reliability
If heavy lifting equipment is used for maintenance, then safety is improved, but operational complexity and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the column into lighter, separable modules that can be handled without heavy lifting equipment, the system maintains operational safety through reduced load weights while simultaneously decreasing operational complexity and eliminating the need for complex hoisting infrastructure.
4Device complexity
If a single processing module is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but production capacity and uptime are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented design enables multiple processing modules to be connected in series or parallel configurations, allowing the system to be scaled up for increased production capacity while maintaining the simplicity of individual module design and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
While one processing module is being cleaned or maintained, other modules can continue processing operations. This parallel operation capability ensures continuous productive action and increases overall system uptime and production capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus (200) for bio-product processing. The apparatus (200) comprise a processing column (201) comprising an upper column tube (202B) releasably coupled to a lower column tube (202A). The lower column tube (202A) has a processing chamber (218) provided therein. The apparatus (200) additionally comprises an adapter (222) for moving within the processing column (201) so as to vary the volume of the processing chamber (218) within the lower column tube (202A), and a column stand (214) for supporting the adapter (222).