Reverse-Flow Rotary Pump Mixing for Precise Bioprocess Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dynamic inline mixers for bioprocesses face challenges in achieving predictable mixing results due to dependency on input parameters, leading to pressure increases and reduced reproducibility, particularly when used in biopharmaceutical processes where precision is crucial.
Innovation Solution
The method employs a rotary pump installed in the opposite direction of flow to reduce pressure increases and enable adjustable mixing performance by controlling rotational speed, using a centrifugal pump as a mixer with a feedback mechanism and electronic process-control means to ensure precise mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rotary pump is used for dynamic inline mixing in the intended flow direction, then mixing performance is achieved, but pressure increases critically and metering accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by flowing the rotary pump counter to its intended direction of operation. Instead of using the pump's impeller to push fluid forward in the normal pumping direction, the fluid is directed through the pump housing and impeller in reverse, transforming the pump from a pressure-generating device into a mixing device that avoids critical pressure increases while maintaining flow control
2Manufacturing precision
If static mixing elements are used for inline mixing, then storage time is reduced, but mixing precision is insufficient for bioprocesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a dynamic mixer (rotary pump) instead of a static mixer. This dynamic mixing approach provides superior mixing precision through controllable rotational speed while maintaining the inline configuration that minimizes storage time, thus resolving the contradiction between mixing quality and process speed
3Adaptability or versatility
If throughflow rates in static mixers are changed, then mixing adaptability improves, but mixing performance becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a rotary pump with controllable rotational speed to achieve dynamic mixing. The rotational speed can be precisely controlled and adjusted independently of flow rate changes, providing both adaptability to different mixing requirements and predictable mixing performance through controlled agitation, unlike static mixers where mixing quality depends on fixed flow conditions
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 approach allows for flexible, precise, and reproducible mixing of liquids and solids in bioprocesses, avoiding pressure spikes and ensuring sterility through disposable components, thus enhancing the reliability of bioproduct production.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary pump (10), in particular a centrifugal pump, configured for the dynamic inline mixing of the medium
Implementation Method 2
a rotary pump (10), in particular a centrifugal pump, configured for the dynamic inline mixing of the medium
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the dynamic inline mixing of a pressurized medium containing a liquid and at least one further liquid or solid constituent in a bioprocess arrangement, the liquid being merged with the at least one further liquid or solid constituent in a predefined volume ratio at an opening point to form a resulting liquid flow, the bioprocess arrangement having a pump arrangement with a first pump, the first pump being arranged in the line of the line arrangement, the first pump being designed as a rotary pump configured for the dynamic inline mixing of the medium, the first pump having a liquid inlet, which during intended operation forms the suction side of the pump, and a liquid outlet, which during intended operation forms the pressure side of the pump, and the medium being conducted through the rotary pump for the purpose of dynamic inline mixing.