Seed Train Separation Apparatus for Low-Dwell Cell Sedimentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sedimentation separators face challenges in minimizing cell retention time while maintaining high throughput, leading to undesirable turbulences and increased dwell times that negatively affect sedimentation behavior and process performance.
Innovation Solution
A separation apparatus with a sedimentation settler and a collection vessel is designed, featuring a deflection element and controlled inflow direction to minimize retention time and dwell time in the collection vessel, ensuring a high volume flow and efficient separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the inflow volume or flow-through is increased to achieve high throughput, then productivity is improved, but turbulence increases and dwell time increases which negatively affects sedimentation behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The collection vessel is divided into distinct functional zones: an inlet zone with a baffle wall to dissipate turbulence, a sedimentation zone with inclined plates for cell separation, and an outlet zone. This segmentation allows high flow rates at the inlet while maintaining calm conditions in the sedimentation zone, resolving the contradiction between throughput and sedimentation quality.
Solution Approach 2:
A baffle wall is introduced as an intermediary element between the inlet and the sedimentation channels. This baffle acts as a flow mediator that converts turbulent inlet flow into laminar flow, enabling high throughput while protecting the sedimentation process from turbulence-induced disturbances.
2Loss of time
If the collection vessel size is reduced to minimize retention time, then loss of time is reduced, but the ability to handle high flow rates without turbulence is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The collection vessel utilizes vertical space efficiently by incorporating inclined sedimentation plates that create multiple separation channels within a compact footprint. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the vessel to handle high flow rates through multiple parallel channels while maintaining short retention times, as cells sediment quickly along the inclined surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection vessel is segmented into multiple narrow sedimentation channels formed by inclined plates, rather than one large open space. This segmentation increases the effective sedimentation surface area within a compact volume, enabling high flow rate capacity while maintaining short retention times through efficient parallel processing of multiple streams.
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 apparatus achieves reduced retention and hydraulic dwell times, maintaining efficient sedimentation and cell separation without detrimental effects, enabling higher flow rates and improved process performance.
Implementation Method 1
Larger cells are removed from the suspension by settling onto the upward-facing surfaces of the settler, where they form thin sediment layers that slide down and are collected at the bottom of a vessel located underneath the sedimentation settler.
Implementation Method 2
The collection vessel is arranged such that the flow direction of the fluid in the area underneath the sedimentation settler is substantially in line with the direction of the channels of the sedimentation settler
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Separating apparatus, comprising a sedimentation settler and a collection vessel disposed underneath and being in fluid communication with the sedimentation settler, the collection vessel forming a receiving chamber having an outlet at or adjacent to the chamber bottom and having an inlet opening, wherein the collection vessel is arranged such the flow direction of the fluid in the area underneath the sedimentation settler is substantially in line with the direction of the channels of the sedimentation settler. Such separating apparatus is used between fermenters in a seed train.