Parallel Chromatography Column Assembly With Equal Residence Time
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The use of multiple chromatography columns in parallel configuration leads to increased space requirements, cost, and complexity due to the need for mechanical rigidity, fluid manifolds, and ensuring uniform residence time distribution, which is not efficiently addressed by prior art.
Innovation Solution
A parallel assembly of chromatography column modules within a rigid housing, with integrated fluid connections and adjustable flow restrictors, ensuring equal residence time and eliminating the need for external manifolds, while using disposable modules and aseptic films for aseptic connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chromatography columns are configured in parallel, then the system capacity and flexibility are increased, but the space requirements and overall footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple chromatography columns into a single integrated parallel assembly housed within a common housing structure. The columns are arranged adjacently and connected to shared fluid distribution manifolds, allowing them to function as a unified system rather than separate units. This merging approach maintains the combined capacity of multiple columns while reducing the overall footprint by eliminating redundant external connections and consolidating the system into one compact unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple chromatography columns are positioned within a common housing, with fluid distribution manifolds integrated within the same housing space. The manifolds are arranged to distribute fluid to multiple columns without requiring external connection hardware. This nesting of columns and manifolds within a shared housing reduces the overall space requirement compared to having separate externally connected columns.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple prior art columns are used in parallel configuration, then system capacity is increased, but the overall cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal, standardized chromatography columns that can be used individually or in parallel configurations within the same housing. The fluid distribution manifolds are designed with standardized connection points that can accommodate different numbers of columns. This universality allows the same basic components to serve multiple functions and configurations, reducing the need for custom-designed expensive components and enabling cost-effective scaling from single to multi-column systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fluid distribution system into modular manifolds that can be configured to serve different numbers of columns. The housing and manifold assembly can be manufactured as standardized units that accommodate various column configurations. This segmentation into modular, standardized components reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to custom-built integrated systems, while still enabling parallel configuration for increased capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple prior art columns are used in parallel, then system capacity is increased, but the device complexity increases due to fluid manifolds and mechanical rigidity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluid distribution function into integrated manifolds that are housed within the same housing as the chromatography columns. These manifolds contain multiple connection points and internal flow paths that distribute fluid to all columns simultaneously. By combining the manifold function within the column housing rather than using separate external manifolds, the system reduces the number of separate components and connections required, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to scale capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the columns, contains the fluid distribution manifolds, and provides a sealed enclosure for the entire parallel assembly. The manifolds are designed with universal connection points that can accommodate different column configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while enabling scalable parallel configurations for increased capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A parallel assembly of chromatography column modules connected in a rigid housing the assembly having one common assembly inlet and one common assembly outlet each column module comprising a bed space filled with chromatography medium and each column module comprises integrated fluid conduits which when the column module is connected with other column modules in the rigid housing are adapted to connect the bed space of the column module with the assembly inlet and the assembly outlet wherein the total length and/or volume of the fluid conduit from the assembly inlet to one bed space together with the length and/or volume of the fluid conduit from the same bed space to the assembly outlet is substantially the same for all bed spaces and modules installed in the parallel assembly.