Stackable Chromatography Modules with Automatic Valves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pre-packed chromatography column modules face issues with liquid leakage during connection and disconnection, particularly when handling biohazardous or toxic substances, and require sanitary connections to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination.

Innovation Solution

The design includes a chromatography column module with a valve system that ensures leak-free connection and disconnection, utilizing a spring-loaded valve mechanism and aseptic connectors with protective films to prevent liquid leakage and ensure sterility, allowing for the assembly and disassembly of module stacks without fluid loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pre-packed chromatography column modules are connected to each other, then system flexibility and capacity are improved, but liquid leakage occurs during connection and disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidleak-free connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Valves are pre-installed at the inlet and outlet of each chromatography module, positioned to automatically close when the module is disconnected from the stack. This preliminary preparation ensures that liquid leakage is prevented at the moment of disconnection without requiring additional manual intervention or complex sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The valve system operates automatically based on the connection state of the module. When a module is disconnected, the valves self-close to prevent leakage; when connected, they self-open to allow fluid flow. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems and ensures reliable leak-free operation during module assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If modules are disconnected after use, then reconfiguration flexibility is improved, but liquid leakage and contamination risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Protective films are pre-installed over the inlet and outlet ports of each module. These films remain intact during storage and transport, and are only removed when the module is actively connected to the stack. This preliminary protection prevents contamination during disconnection and reconfiguration operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protective films are designed as single-use, disposable components that are discarded after one use. This approach provides reliable contamination protection during module disconnection and storage without requiring complex reusable sealing mechanisms, aligning with the disposable nature of many chromatography modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If modules are used for biohazardous or toxic substances, then processing capability is improved, but safety and hygiene requirements become more stringent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidbiohazard exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The valve and protective film components are extracted as separate, dedicated safety features from the overall module design. This allows the chromatography resin and processing function to be optimized independently while ensuring that the safety mechanisms (valves and films) are specifically designed to contain and protect against biohazardous and toxic substances during all operational phases including disconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution enables convenient, leak-free connection and disconnection of chromatography column modules, maintaining sterility and preventing contamination, thereby enhancing the flexibility and hygiene in bioprocessing operations while ensuring efficient biomolecule separation.

Implementation Method 1

The valve comprises a spring-loaded valve member resting on a valve seat when the valve is in a closed position and wherein, upon connection with a column inlet or outlet of a like chromatography module, a valve opening member causes the valve to move to an open position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The inlet may comprise a male connector, e.g. with a sealing O-ring, and the outlet a female connector, or vice versa, for coupling with a like chromatography module or a fluidics plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic sealing: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3391042B1Stackable chromatography column modules with inlet and outlet valves

Publication Date: 2020.07.22 CYTIVA BIOPROCESS R&D AB

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AI summary

The invention discloses a chromatography column module stackable with like chromatography modules, comprising a column chamber (2) fluidically connected to a column inlet 3) and a column outlet (4), wherein the column inlet and outlet each comprise a valve (5), arranged to move from a closed position to an open position upon connection of the column inlet or outlet with a) a column outlet or inlet of a like chromatography module or b) with an outlet or inlet of a fluidics plate. The invention further discloses a stack of chromatography column modules and the use of the stack for separation of biomolecules.