Pressure Equalization Chamber for Bioprocess Flow Fluctuations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous biopharmaceutical processes face challenges in maintaining stable process conditions due to short-term pressure or volume fluctuations, which can lead to fluctuations in output quality, and existing solutions require complex automation and additional pumps.
Innovation Solution
A device with a receiving space and an equalizing space separated by a deflectable element, utilizing a counter-pressure means to absorb and release medium, allowing for automatic compensation of pressure and volume fluctuations without the need for external energy or additional pumps, using disposable components to maintain sterility and simplify operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If buffer tanks are provided to compensate pressure or volume fluctuations, then process stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirement of additional pumps and active control elements
Solution Approach 1:
The compensating device uses passive elastic elements (springs, diaphragms, or expandable containers) that automatically respond to pressure or volume fluctuations without requiring external control systems. The elastic element expands when pressure increases and contracts when pressure decreases, providing self-regulating compensation that eliminates the need for active pumps or control elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic or hydraulic principles by employing compressible gas or liquid in the equalizing space to create a counter-pressure that balances fluctuations in the receiving space. This allows the system to compensate for pressure and volume changes through fluid pressure equilibrium rather than mechanical pumping.
2Productivity
If buffer tanks with active pumps are used, then volume flow compensation is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous pump operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs volume flow compensation passively through the elastic deformation of stored energy in the equalizing space. When volume flow increases, the elastic element absorbs the excess volume; when volume flow decreases, the stored elastic energy releases the medium back into the process line, eliminating the need for continuous pump operation and associated energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The equalizing space is pre-filled with compressible medium (gas or liquid) that serves as a cushion to absorb and release volume fluctuations. This beforehand prepared cushion allows the system to handle variable volume flows without requiring active pumping, as the pre-stored compressible medium responds immediately to flow changes.
3Stress or pressure
If active control elements are implemented, then pressure regulation is improved, but reliability decreases due to more components that can fail
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulation function is achieved through passive elastic elements that automatically adjust to pressure changes without requiring control systems. The spring or expandable container expands or contracts in direct response to pressure fluctuations, providing fail-safe pressure equalization that eliminates points of failure associated with sensors, controllers, and active actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the active control elements (pumps, valves, sensors, controllers) from the pressure regulation function and replaces them with passive elastic elements. This extraction simplifies the system architecture and removes potential failure points while maintaining pressure regulation capability through physical elastic properties.
4Reliability
If disposable components are used for all media-contacting parts, then sterility and ease of replacement are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs disposable components specifically for all media-contacting surfaces including the receiving space, equalizing space, and elastic elements. These single-use components eliminate the need for cleaning and sterilization procedures, ensuring sterility assurance while allowing rapid replacement. The cost is justified by the elimination of sterilization infrastructure and the critical importance of sterility in biopharmaceutical applications.
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 stabilizes process conditions, increases process reliability, and extends the time window for emergency shutdowns by automatically managing pressure and volume fluctuations, reducing the need for complex automation and additional pumps.
Implementation Method 1
an equalizing space, which is separated from the receiving space by a deflectable, more particularly flexible and elastically deflectable, element
Implementation Method 2
a counter-pressure means arranged in the equalizing space for applying a counter-pressure to the deflectable element towards the receiving space
Data Source
AI summary
A device for compensating short-term pressure or volume fluctuations of a medium in a continuously managed biopharmaceutical process including a receiving space in fluid communication with a process line through which a medium flows, an equalizing space, which is separated from the receiving space by a deflectable element, and a counter-pressure mechanism in the equalizing space for applying a counter-pressure to the deflectable element towards the receiving space. A method of compensating short-term pressure or volume fluctuations of a medium in a continuously managed biopharmaceutical process including providing a receiving space in fluid communication with a process line through which a medium flows, receiving an excess amount of the medium flowing into the receiving space, charging an energy storage device by the medium flowing into the receiving space, and expelling at least part of the excess amount if the pressure or flow rate falls below a set amount.