Monolithic Microfiltration Container for Residue-Free Sterile Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration containers used in pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications suffer from issues such as residual stagnation zones, complex assembly, and contamination risks due to unsuitable components, which compromise the production of sterile, non-pyrogenic fluids.
Innovation Solution
A microfiltration container base designed as a monolithic, aseptic assembly with integrated process control devices, featuring compact design and specific access ports for probes and valves, ensuring complete emptying without residue stagnation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional filtration containers are used with separate components and accessories, then the container can be assembled with standard market components, but residual stagnation zones remain and complete emptying cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the base body and control elements into an integrated monolithic structure. The base incorporates directly integrated control valves, probe connections, and drainage systems as unified components rather than separate attachments. This integration eliminates residual stagnation zones that would exist between separate components and enables complete emptying of the filtration container.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accessories and instruments are added to the container, then process control capability is improved, but device complexity and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed as a multi-functional integrated unit that combines filtration support, process control, monitoring, and drainage functions in a single structure. The base incorporates multiple control valves, sensor connections, and instrumentation interfaces as inherent features rather than requiring separate accessories. This universal design provides comprehensive process control capability while reducing the number of discrete components and associated contamination risks.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional container designs are used, then standard market components can be used, but contamination risks arise from unsuitable components and assembly modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines all wetted components and control elements into a monolithic base structure that can be manufactured as a single piece or pre-assembled sterile unit. This integration eliminates interfaces and assembly points where contamination could occur, while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized monolithic construction methods. The base design inherently incorporates sterile barriers and contamination-resistant features throughout the integrated structure.
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 provides a compact, aseptic filtration system with integrated control valves and probes, minimizing contamination risks and maintaining fluid quality from filtration to collection, thus meeting the requirements for sterile, non-pyrogenic fluids.
Implementation Method 1
microporous membrane filters available with different retention levels
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a microfiltration container (2), comprising a base (1) for a microfiltration container (2), said container being adapted to contain at least one microfilter (3) and create fluid passages which force a fluid, passing from a fluid inlet (4) to a fluid outlet (5), to pass through said microfilter (3);wherein said base (1) is a monolithic body, i.e., made in a single piece;wherein a microfilter seat (6) is obtained in said base (1) for accommodating and securing said at least one microfilter (3);wherein at least a first valve half-chamber (7) is obtained in said base (1), adapted to accommodate a first movable valve element (8) adapted to move from a valve opening position to a valve closing position;wherein said at least a first valve half-chamber (7) comprises at least a first abutment surface (9) for sealing said movable valve element (8);wherein said microfiltration container (2) comprises a container bell (28);wherein said container bell (28) comprises a cylindrical bell body (42) in which a first lower end thereof is sealingly connectable to said base (1) and in which an upper opposite end thereof is closed by a bell cap (43).