Thermal Jacket Mixing Vessel for Small-Volume Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing vessels for bioprocessing require specialized equipment and have limitations in mixing a wide range of fluid volumes efficiently, particularly in terms of volume and temperature control, with a need for a compact and user-friendly solution.
Innovation Solution
A bioprocess mixer system with a jacketed mixing vessel housing and mixer base assembly, featuring a rotating ring lock, probe support holder, and a levitating magnetic impeller, allowing for rapid mixing of various volumes and temperatures within a small footprint, while minimizing shear force and reducing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a jacketed mixing vessel housing with three jacketed side walls is used, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing vessel housing is divided into three separate jacketed side walls, each capable of independent temperature control through separate heating/cooling circuits. This segmentation allows precise temperature control of different zones while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The jacketed side walls serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the mixing vessel, enable temperature control through integrated heating/cooling circuits, and facilitate fluid distribution through their interconnected cavity system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
2Productivity
If the interior cavities are configured to fill completely before outlet port, then mixing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow path is extended into the vertical dimension by configuring the interior cavities to fill from bottom to top before reaching the outlet port. This vertical flow path ensures complete mixing chamber filling and prevents bypassing of the mixing zone, improving mixing efficiency without adding horizontal complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sloped bottom wall and cavity configuration are designed to preliminarily fill the mixing chamber with fluid before the outlet port is reached. This preliminary filling action ensures that the mixing chamber is fully occupied by fluid before discharge, maximizing mixing efficiency and preventing air pockets or incomplete filling
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a levitating magnetic impeller is used, then contamination is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical impeller system is replaced with a levitating magnetic impeller that uses magnetic fields to suspend and rotate the impeller without physical contact with the mixing chamber walls. This eliminates mechanical seals and contact points that could contaminate the fluid, while the magnetic field generation system is integrated into the existing device structure
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field serves as an intermediary between the drive mechanism and the impeller, allowing the impeller to be driven without direct mechanical contact. The magnetic field transmits rotational force to the levitating impeller while maintaining separation between the drive system and the fluid contact zone, preventing contamination
4Speed
If the bottom side of the jacketed wall containing the inlet slopes downwardly, then fluid flow is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom side of the jacketed wall containing the inlet is designed with a downward slope rather than a flat surface. This curved configuration promotes fluid flow by directing fluid toward the inlet port and preventing stagnant zones, improving fluid dynamics without requiring complex valve or pump systems
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 system enables efficient mixing of fluids from 20 mL to 10,000 mL with viscosities from 1 to 25 cP, rapid temperature adjustments, and reduces particle contamination, all within a compact laboratory setup.
Implementation Method 1
a levitating magnetic impeller
Implementation Method 2
levitating magnetic impeller
Implementation Method 3
three jacketed side walls, each of the three jacketed side walls connected to at least one of the other jacketed side walls, each of the jacketed side walls defining an interior cavity
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a jacketed mixing vessel housing, comprising: (a) three jacketed side walls, each of the three jacketed side walls connected to at least one of the other jacketed side walls, each of the jacketed side walls defining an interior cavity, wherein each of the interior cavities is in fluid connection with the others; (b) a base supporting the three jacketed side walls at a bottom side of the three jacketed side walls; (c) an inlet port on the bottom side of one of the jacketed side walls in fluid connection with the interior cavity; and (d) an outlet port on one of the jacketed side walls in fluid connection with the interior cavity at a top side of the interior cavity; wherein the bottom side of the jacketed wall side wall containing the inlet slopes downwardly in a direction towards the inlet port, and wherein the three interior cavities of the three jacketed side walls are configured such that the three interior cavities are substantially filled by a fluid entering the jacketed mixing vessel housing before the fluid reaches the outlet port.