RF Weldable Multilayer Tubing for Pharmaceutical Fluid Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flexible polymer tubing for pharmaceutical and biological applications lacks a high-purity, RF weldable, and cost-effective solution that is transparent, sterilizable, and resistant to mechanical stresses while maintaining chemical inertness and avoiding contamination.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer tubing structure comprising an inner layer with a PVDF copolymer, an inter gas barrier layer, and outer layers made of TPU copolymer, which includes an adhesive tie layer for enhanced RF weldability and structural integrity, ensuring clarity, flexibility, and resistance to gamma sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If flexible polymer tubing is made transparent and sterilizable, then clarity and resistance to sterilization are improved, but RF weldability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multilayer composite structure where the inner layer uses PVDF copolymer for clarity and sterilization resistance, while the outer layer uses TPU copolymer for RF weldability. This composite approach allows each layer to fulfill its specific functional requirement without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between optical/sterilization properties and weldability.
2Strength
If high-strength polymer tubing is used, then strength and toughness are improved, but chemical inertness and purity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the inner layer (which contacts the pharmaceutical fluid) chemically inert and free of leachables using PVDF copolymer, while the outer layer uses TPU copolymer for mechanical strength and flexibility. This localized differentiation allows the tubing to achieve both high strength and chemical purity where needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If multilayer structure is implemented for RF weldability, then RF weldability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tubing into distinct functional layers: an inner PVDF copolymer layer for chemical inertness and clarity, and an outer TPU copolymer layer for RF weldability and flexibility. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining manufacturability through coextrusion processes.
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
The multilayer tubing provides a clear, flexible, and RF weldable fluid path that is chemically inert, resistant to sterilization, and free of leachable and extractable materials, ensuring product integrity and cost-effectiveness in pharmaceutical applications.
Implementation Method 1
the inner layer has a dielectric loss factor (DLF) value of about or greater than 0.05
Data Source
AI summary
A RF weldable tubing is provided. The tubing has inner layer including a PVDF copolymer, or an ethylene alpha-olefin homopolymer, or an ethylene alpha-olefin polymer that may include a grafted polyethylene. The tubing may have an inter gas barrier layer sandwiched between the outer layer and an outermost layer including a TPU copolymer. The inter gas barrier layer may include an EVOH copolymer. A method of making such a tubing is also provided.