Modular Pneumatic Valve Assembly for Flexible Single-Use Bioprocessing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current single-use biological liquid handling systems face limitations in flexibility, cost, and physical size due to fixed valve configurations, which hinder efficient and cost-effective processing of biopharmaceuticals.
Innovation Solution
A modular valve system with a reusable pneumatic control system and a connector unit that allows for reconfiguration of valve arrangements and pneumatic conduits to adapt to different flow paths and processes, enabling flexible and cost-efficient fluid control in biological liquid processing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed valve configurations are used in single-use flow paths, then system simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability to different processes are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is divided into separate modular components: a reusable pneumatic control system and disposable flow path assemblies with integrated valve bodies. This segmentation allows the complex pneumatic control to be reused while the simple disposable parts provide flexibility for different processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic control system is designed as a universal platform that can control different valve configurations through reconfigurable pneumatic conduit connections. The same control system can be adapted to various flow path configurations (chromatography, filtration, etc.) by changing the conduit connections rather than requiring dedicated controls for each application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-configured pneumatic distributors are used for different flow paths, then each process receives dedicated control, but system cost and physical size increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single pneumatic control system serves multiple flow path configurations through reconfigurable pneumatic conduit connections. The control system can be adapted to different processes (chromatography, filtration, etc.) by reconfiguring which conduits connect to which valve bodies, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated pneumatic distributors.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic conduit connections are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between different flow path assemblies. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the same physical control system to adapt to different process requirements without requiring additional hardware or increasing system size.
3Ease of manufacture
If reusable pneumatic control systems are shared across different flow paths, then cost is reduced, but ensuring sterility and preventing cross-contamination becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the pneumatic control function (reusable) from the fluid contact components (disposable). The disposable flow path assemblies include integrated valve bodies that contact the biological liquid, while the reusable pneumatic control system remains isolated from the fluid path, connected only through sealed pneumatic conduits. This segmentation maintains sterility while enabling cost-effective reuse of the expensive control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path assemblies with integrated valve bodies are designed as disposable components that are sterilized as a complete unit and then discarded after use. This eliminates the need to sterilize the reusable pneumatic control system between uses, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining cost efficiency through reuse of the control infrastructure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If valve positions are fixed in the flow path assembly, then manufacturing is simplified, but reconfiguration for different processes requires new components
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into the flow path assembly with integrated valve bodies and the separate pneumatic control system. The valve bodies are manufactured as integral parts of the disposable flow path assembly using simple injection molding, while the pneumatic control system handles the complexity of positioning and routing. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity for the disposable parts while enabling configuration flexibility through the reusable control system.
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 system provides high flexibility, reduced costs, and improved ease of use by allowing reconfiguration of valve positions and actuation, minimizing holdup volume and back-mixing, while maintaining sterility and reducing mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic actuator that is in fluid contact with the process fluid and that controls the movement of the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to valve system for controlling a process fluid within a liquid processing system. The valve system comprises a valve arrangement, a pneumatic control system, and a connector unit. When the valve arrangement is connected to the connector unit, two or more valves are formed, such that the pneumatic control system controls an open/close or pressure control mode of the valves. A pump diaphragm system is disclosed, as well as a system for purifying a biological material that comprises the valve system or the pump diaphragm system. Also discloses are methods of using the valve system or the pump diaphragm system in a process for the purification of a biological material.