Multi-Channel Pump for Diafiltration Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diafiltration systems are limited in their ability to efficiently remove undesirable materials from fluids containing desirable biomolecules, particularly in achieving high removal efficiencies and managing fluid flow rates effectively.
Innovation Solution
A diafiltration system comprising multiple fluid treatment modules with cross-flow treatment assemblies, multiple channel pump heads, and diafiltration fluid conduits, allowing for simultaneous controlled diafiltration fluid flow rates and feed fluid flow rates, which enables efficient removal of impurities with reduced footprint and operational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional diafiltration systems are used, then the system can remove salts and solvents from biomolecule solutions, but the system requires multiple separate pumps and complex fluid management for each treatment module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate pump systems into a single multi-channel pump that can simultaneously control diafiltration fluid flow rates through multiple separate conduits. This merging reduces the number of moving parts and operational requirements while maintaining the ability to process multiple fluid streams independently, directly resolving the contradiction between device complexity and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-channel pump head serves multiple functions by providing simultaneously controlled flow rates to multiple diafiltration fluid conduits through a single device. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized pumps, reducing system complexity while preserving full processing capability across all treatment modules
2Manufacturing precision
If high removal efficiency of 99.99% is achieved, then impurities are effectively removed from the feed fluid, but the system requires precise control of multiple fluid flow rates simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple flow rate control functions into a single multi-channel pump system that can precisely regulate diafiltration fluid flow rates through multiple conduits simultaneously. This integration maintains the precise control needed for 99.99% impurity removal while reducing the operational complexity compared to using separate pumps for each conduit
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-channel pump acts as an intermediary device that centralizes the complex task of simultaneous flow rate control for multiple diafiltration conduits. By providing a single point of control with multiple regulated output channels, it simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the precision required for high removal efficiency
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 achieves high removal efficiencies of up to 99.99% (4-log) with controlled fluid flow management, reducing the number of moving parts and operational requirements, while maintaining a desired ratio of feed to retentate flow rates, suitable for both continuous and discontinuous diafiltration modes.
Implementation Method 1
Diafiltration is a technique that uses ultrafiltration (UF) membranes to remove, replace, or lower the concentration of undesirable materials such as salts and/or solvents from fluids containing desirable materials
Implementation Method 2
Continuous diafiltration involves washing out the original buffer salts (and/or other low molecular weight species) in the retentate by adding water or new buffer to the retentate at the same rate as filtrate is being generated
Data Source
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AI summary
A diafiltration system comprises a fluid treatment assembly comprising two or more fluid treatment modules, the fluid treatment assembly comprising a feed inlet, a permeate outlet, and a retentate outlet; each module comprising a cross flow treatment assembly including an ultrafiltration membrane and having a feed side and a permeate side, and a diafiltration fluid distribution plate comprising a diafiltration fluid feed inlet and a common feed permeate/diafiltration fluid permeate outlet port; two or more diafiltration fluid conduits, each conduit in fluid communication with a respective single diafiltration fluid feed inlet; and, a diafiltration fluid pump comprising at least a first multiple channel pump head having at least two channels including separate channels for separate conduits in fluid communication with respective single diafiltration fluid feed inlets, wherein the pump provides simultaneously controlled diafiltration fluid flow rates through each of the conduits to the respective diafiltration fluid feed inlets.