Multi-Vessel Fluid Distribution Hub for Aseptic Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes face challenges in maintaining aseptic environments during fluid transfer, as traditional fluid pathways are independent and require numerous fittings, leading to potential contamination, increased space requirements, and significant resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system for distributing fluid to multiple containers simultaneously, using a hub with equal-length and equal-diameter inflow conduits, ensuring all vessels are in the same plane, and employing a plenum to distribute an equal amount of fluid to each vessel, minimizing leak points and assembly steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential filling of multiple containers is used, then each container can be filled individually with simple equipment, but the filling time and resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the filling process by providing individual inflow conduits and control mechanisms for each vessel, allowing simultaneous independent filling operations while maintaining simple individual component designs
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple filling operations into a single simultaneous process by using a common plenum and multiple outlet conduits that distribute fluid to several vessels at once, achieving 5-20 times reduction in filling time
2Adaptability or versatility
If several independent fluid pathways are used to enter or exit various containers, then each pathway can be controlled separately, but the number of fittings and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from linear sequential pathways to a radial three-dimensional configuration with a central plenum and multiple outlet conduits extending in different directions, reducing the footprint and organizing fluid pathways more efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The plenum serves as a universal distribution hub that can accommodate multiple vessels simultaneously, with each outlet conduit providing independent control while sharing the common fluid distribution infrastructure
3Ease of manufacture
If numerous fittings are used between conduits for multiple fluid pathways, then each connection can be made independently, but the number of leak points and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple conduit connections to a single central plenum structure, reducing the total number of fittings and connection points while maintaining independent controllability of each fluid pathway to vessels
Solution Approach 2:
The plenum acts as an intermediary component that centralizes fluid distribution, eliminating the need for multiple independent connection points between conduits and vessels, thereby reducing leak points and contamination risks
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid distribution system includes an input tube, a plurality of vessels, and a distribution hub. The input tube is configured to extend from a supply vessel. Each vessel of the plurality of vessels includes an inflow conduit. The distribution hub includes a single inlet and a plurality of outlets. The single inlet is defined in a bottom of the distribution hub and is in fluid communication with the input tube such that the distribution hub is configured to receive fluid from the input tube through the single inlet. Each outlet of the plurality of outlets is in fluid communication with the single inlet and in fluid communication with a respective inflow conduit such that the distribution hub is configured to provide an equal portion of the fluid received through the single inlet to each of the inflow conduits.