Modular Membrane Chromatography Cassette Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Membrane chromatography cassettes face challenges in maintaining consistent separation efficiency and filtration capacity due to changes in cassette geometries and flow parameters, which affect liquid flow dynamics and elution concentration.

Innovation Solution

A modular cassette assembly with a membrane stack comprising multiple layers of membranes with different mean pore sizes, arranged in a repeating pattern, allowing for adaptable configurations and stable elution concentration across varying inner nominal volumes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If cassette geometries are changed to increase productivity, then filtration capacity increases, but separation efficiency deteriorates due to changes in liquid flow dynamics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration capacityVSAvoidseparation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts flow distribution ratios across multiple cassettes based on real-time performance monitoring. The controller modifies inlet flow rates to each cassette to maintain optimal flow dynamics and separation efficiency while maximizing overall filtration capacity through adaptive load balancing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters including flow rates, pressure differentials, and temperature to optimize both filtration capacity and separation efficiency. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can adapt to different operating conditions and maintain high performance across varying productivity requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If system flow parameters are adjusted to increase productivity, then volumetric flow increases, but elution concentration becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolumetric flowVSAvoidelution concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates real-time monitoring of elution concentration and uses feedback control to adjust flow parameters. The controller receives data from sensors monitoring elution quality and automatically modifies flow rates to maintain stable elution concentration while maximizing volumetric flow through the chromatography cassettes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces traditional mechanical flow control with automated electronic control systems that precisely regulate flow rates. This substitution enables more precise and stable control of flow parameters, maintaining consistent elution concentration while achieving higher volumetric flow rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If single cassette configuration is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying operating conditions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem configurationVSAvoidadaptability to operating conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the chromatography function across multiple independent cassettes that can be individually controlled and optimized. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to varying operating conditions by adjusting individual cassette performance while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system design incorporates universal features that allow the same cassette assembly to perform multiple functions across different operating conditions. The cassettes are designed with flexible flow distribution capabilities and can be configured for various separation tasks, making the system highly adaptable without requiring completely different hardware for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 modular cassette assembly enhances filtration capacity and maintains consistent elution concentration, improving the separation efficiency and productivity by accommodating changes in flow dynamics and geometries.

Implementation Method 1

The membrane stack may be configured to retain the target molecule

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the membrane stack can include a first membrane layer having a first mean pore size and a second membrane layer having a second mean pore size different from the first mean pore size

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPore size separation: Porosity

Data Source

PatentUS20240325982A1Membrane chromatography cassette assembly

Publication Date: 2024.10.03 DONALDSON CO INC

AI summary

The present technology relates to a cassette assembly having an inlet cassette plate defining an inlet flow path, and an outlet cassette plate defining an outlet flow path. The outlet cassette plate is configured to be arranged in a stack with the inlet cassette plate. A membrane stack is disposed between the inlet cassette plate and the outlet cassette plate. The inlet flow path is configured to be in fluid communication with the outlet flow path through the membrane stack to form an assembly flow path. The cassette assembly is configured to receive an elution solution, and an elution concentration is substantially constant as the inner nominal volume varies.