Modular Bioprocessing With Adapter Plates for Fluid Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopharmaceutical processes require complex and space-consuming setups for combining various filtration steps, lacking a flexible and compact system for fluid flow management between different processing units.
Innovation Solution
A modular processing system with adapter plates that allow fluidic connection and control of fluid flow between processing units, enabling deflection and pressure management, using deflection elements and multiway valves for flexible configuration of series or parallel connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard filter units are used and linked together for various process steps, then the processing system can perform multiple biopharmaceutical operations, but the setup becomes complex and requires significant communication coordination between units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filter units and process steps into a single integrated cartridge structure. The cartridge housing contains multiple filtration layers (depth filter, sterile filter, virus filter) and process chambers (chromatography chamber, viral inactivation chamber) that are physically merged and fluidically connected through internal passages, eliminating the need for external linking and communication between separate units.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed as a universal processing unit that can perform multiple biopharmaceutical operations including cell separation, sterile filtration, chromatography, viral inactivation, and virus filtration within a single device. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized filter units that would otherwise require complex coordination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate filter systems are linked together for different process steps, then comprehensive processing capability is achieved, but the physical setup space becomes large and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge employs a nested structure where multiple filtration layers and process chambers are arranged concentrically or in compact sequences within a single housing. The depth filter, sterile filter, and virus filter are positioned in nested arrangements with internal fluid passages that connect them sequentially, maximizing space utilization and minimizing the physical footprint of the processing system.
3Productivity
If standard filter units are connected in sequence for multiple process steps, then complete biopharmaceutical processing is achieved, but the system requires extensive communication and coordination to match product flows and manipulated variables
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge integrates multiple process functions into a single unit with internal fluid pathways that automatically guide the product flow through each processing step in sequence. The depth filter, sterile filter, chromatography chamber, viral inactivation chamber, and virus filter are fluidically connected within the cartridge, eliminating the need for external communication and coordination systems that would be required to synchronize multiple separate units.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular processing system (100) for biopharmaceutical processes includes (i) at least one first and at least one second processing unit (30, 32), which can be fluidically connected to each other; and (ii) at least one adapter plate (200), through which at least one fluid flow (14), flowing from the first processing unit (30) to the second processing unit (32), can flow. The adapter plate deflects the fluid flow between the first processing unit and the second processing unit at least partially; and/or controls the fluid flow, preferably, the pressure thereof, in an open loop or closed loop manner. A method for the modular construction of a processing system (100) for biopharmaceutical processes is also disclosed.