Valve Block Assembly Sealing for Miniaturized SMB Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simulated moving bed chromatography (SMB) systems face challenges in scaling down for pilot and sub-pilot volumes to produce milligram-to-gram quantities of high-purity target proteins from complex cell extracts, requiring enhanced sealing and control mechanisms to maintain efficiency and purity.
Innovation Solution
The development of a SMB system with improved sealing and control mechanisms, including a valve block assembly with enhanced sealing surfaces and a control system that manages fluid flow and valve operations to simulate a moving bed process, allowing for precise control of fluid flow and valve states to maintain continuous operation and high purity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If SMB systems are scaled down to pilot and sub-pilot volumes, then the system size and bed volume are reduced, but sealing reliability and control precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible sealing membranes made of elastomeric materials that conform to the valve block surfaces, providing reliable sealing in miniaturized SMB systems where rigid seals would be difficult to implement effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies sealing parameters by using compressed elastomeric materials that change their physical properties under compression, enabling effective sealing in the reduced space of scaled-down systems
2Volume of moving object
If SMB systems are scaled down to pilot and sub-pilot volumes, then the system size and bed volume are reduced, but control precision of fluid flow and valve operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve block is segmented into multiple independently controllable sections with individual sealing membranes, allowing precise control of fluid flow paths in the miniaturized system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical valve mechanisms with simpler elastomeric membrane-based flow control, improving precision while reducing the overall system size
3Ease of operation
If elaborate valve systems involving extensive conduits are used in large scale systems, then flow control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve block assembly where multiple sealing membranes work together to control different fluid paths, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric sealing membranes serve multiple functions including sealing, flow control, and position indication, reducing the need for separate components in the miniaturized system
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 effectively achieves continuous separation and purification of proteins at milligram-to-gram scales with high purity, addressing the challenges of scaling down SMB systems for fine chemicals and pharmaceutical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a compression force is applied to a compliant seal member to enhance sealing between two or more components
Implementation Method 2
a compliant seal member to enhance sealing
Data Source
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AI summary
A device to enhance sealing is provided. The device includes a body and a pressure cup. The pressure cup includes a channel, a first pressure channel, and a second pressure channel. The channel is formed in a surface of the body to surround a first portion of the surface. The channel is configured to hold an o-ring. The first pressure channel extends through the body and opens into the first portion of the surface. The second pressure channel extends through the body and opens into the channel. Pneumatic pressure within the second pressure channel is controlled to hold the o-ring in the channel when a second pressure within the first pressure channel changes.