Parallel Chromatography Column Assembly With Uniform Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of multiple chromatography columns in parallel configuration increases space and cost requirements, complexity in fluid manifolds, and pressure equipment compliance, while maintaining chromatographic efficiency, which is not effectively addressed by prior art.
Innovation Solution
A parallel assembly of chromatography column modules with a rigid housing that eliminates the need for extra fluid manifolds, provides a compact design, and allows for adjustable flow restrictors and sensors to ensure synchronized hydraulic resistance and aseptic connections, enabling a flexible and scalable chromatography system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chromatography columns are configured in parallel to increase capacity, then the system flexibility and scalability are improved, but the overall footprint and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple standardized chromatography column modules that can be independently manufactured and then assembled in parallel configurations. Each module contains integrated fluid connections that eliminate the need for external manifolds, allowing compact stacking and reducing overall footprint while maintaining scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple column modules are arranged in a nested or stacked configuration within a shared housing structure, where modules are positioned closely together with integrated fluid pathways. This nesting approach allows multiple columns to occupy less space than separate standalone columns would require.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple prior art columns are used in parallel configuration to increase capacity, then the system scalability is improved, but the overall cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized column module design serves multiple functions and can be used in various parallel configurations to meet different capacity requirements. The modules are universally compatible with each other and with the housing, eliminating the need for custom-designed columns for each application and reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple column modules share common housing structures, fluid distribution systems, and control mechanisms. By merging these supporting infrastructure elements across multiple modules, the per-column cost is reduced compared to using separate standalone columns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple prior art columns are used in parallel configuration to increase capacity, then the system flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to fluid manifolds requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution and collection functions are merged into the housing structure itself, which contains integrated channels that distribute fluid to and collect fluid from all column modules. This eliminates the need for separate external manifolds and their associated complex connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the columns, contains the fluid distribution and collection channels, and facilitates aseptic connections. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple prior art columns are used in parallel configuration to increase capacity, then the system scalability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to maintain chromatographic efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the chromatography function (contained within standardized modules with controlled manufacturing tolerances) from the fluid distribution function (contained within the housing with integrated channels). This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured with precise tolerances for chromatographic performance while the housing provides consistent fluid distribution to all modules.
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
This solution reduces the overall footprint and cost of the system, maintains chromatographic efficiency by ensuring uniform residence time across all modules, and allows for aseptic handling and assembly, while reducing mechanical rigidity requirements and enabling easy verification and qualification.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable flow restrictor is provided in each chromatography column module. Hereby a good performance is achieved by synchronised hydraulic resistance (i.e. same residence time over all modules)
Implementation Method 2
The use of separation modules, such as chromatography columns or cartridges, in a parallel configuration has a potential to increase flexibility in pilot and process scale bio-manufacturing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3a
Figure 3b~3c
AI summary
A parallel assembly (2; 11; 51) of chromatography column modules (3a,b,c; 13a,b,c; 53a,b,c, 90a, b) connected in a rigid housing (21; 61), the assembly having one common assembly inlet (15; 55) and one common assembly outlet (17; 57), each column module comprising a bed space (29) 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 (29) of the column module with the assembly inlet (15; 55) and the assembly outlet (17; 57), 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.