Bioprocess Filtration Unit With Sloped Disposable Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filtration systems for bioprocess liquids face challenges in achieving complete recovery of valuable liquids and efficient removal of air during startup, which is critical for maintaining process efficiency and compliance in biopharmaceutical production.
Innovation Solution
The development of a unit and method that incorporates a disposable flow path with a sloped configuration, allowing for efficient drainage and air removal. This includes a filtration unit with valves, pumps, and sensors that guide the flow path legs at a slope of at least 4 degrees, facilitating complete liquid recovery and air removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a horizontal flow path configuration is used, then the system structure is simple, but liquid drainage is incomplete and air removal is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is designed with an asymmetric sloped configuration instead of a symmetric horizontal layout. The slope of at least 4 degrees creates an asymmetric geometry that promotes complete liquid drainage to a collection point while maintaining structural simplicity, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and drainage efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used for buffer circulation and equilibration, then the process is flexible, but automation level is low and process efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to perform buffer circulation and equilibration automatically without requiring manual intervention. The sloped flow path configuration enables automated liquid drainage and air removal, allowing the system to service itself and maintain process flexibility while achieving high automation levels.
3Ease of manufacture
If the flow path is not sloped, then installation is simple, but liquid recovery is incomplete and valuable bioprocess liquid is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal layout to a three-dimensional sloped configuration. This dimensional change introduces a vertical component that enables complete liquid drainage through gravity while maintaining installation simplicity, thereby preventing valuable bioprocess liquid loss without complicating the installation process.
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 sloped disposable flow path enhances liquid drainage and air removal, ensuring complete recovery of valuable bioprocess liquids and maintaining system integrity, which is essential for GMP manufacturing and efficient bioprocess operations.
Implementation Method 1
The sloped disposable flow path enhances liquid drainage
Implementation Method 2
facilitating complete liquid recovery and air removal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention discloses a first unit (1) for treatment of a bioprocess liquid comprising a first lateral face (2), a second lateral face (3) and a front face (4) which meets the two said lateral faces. The front face comprises: a plurality of valves (7) adapted to receive and act upon one or more legs (8) of a disposable flow path (6); optionally one or more pumps (10) adapted to receive and act upon one or more legs of the disposable flow path; optionally one or more sensors (11) adapted to receive and to measure one or more parameters in one or more legs of the disposable flow path; wherein the plurality of valves and optional pumps and sensors are vertically offset from each other to give one or more legs of a disposable flow path received by said valves and optional pumps and sensors a slope of at least 3.0 degrees from the horizontal plane (h).