Polymeric Venturi Flowmeter for Single-Use Bioreactors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring fluid flow in single-use bioreactors, such as those used in the life sciences industry, are often inaccurate due to the use of inexpensive and crude sensors, which can disrupt biological reactions and are not suitable for the sensitive environment of living cells.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric venturi flowmeter coupled with a high-quality differential pressure measurement device, designed to minimize disruption to the fluid flow, using pre-sterilized components and annular seals to provide accurate flow measurements, is used in conjunction with single-use containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If inexpensive sensors and crude fluid isolation methods are used, then cost is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function into two segments: a disposable polymeric venturi flowmeter that contacts the fluid and can be pre-sterilized, and a permanent high-precision differential pressure transmitter that performs the actual measurement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving both cost-effectiveness and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric venturi flowmeter acts as an intermediary element that converts fluid flow into differential pressure signals. It interfaces between the bioreactor fluid and the differential pressure transmitter, enabling accurate measurement while maintaining sterility and minimizing direct contact between sensitive sensors and biological materials.
2Device complexity
If crude fluid isolation methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric venturi flowmeter and associated fluid isolation components are pre-sterilized before use, eliminating the need for complex sterilization procedures during operation. This preliminary action ensures reliability by guaranteeing sterility while keeping the operational system simple and straightforward.
3Ease of operation
If simple sensors are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The complex high-precision measurement function is extracted from the disposable polymeric flowmeter and placed in the permanent differential pressure transmitter. This allows the simple polymeric flowmeter to be easily installed and operated in the bioreactor, while the sophisticated measurement capabilities reside in the dedicated instrumentation outside the sterile field.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective and accurate method for measuring fluid flow in single-use bioreactors, reducing the risk of disrupting living cells and allowing for precise control of biological reactions, while maintaining sterility and flexibility in the process.
Implementation Method 1
a venturi flowmeter for connection to single-use containers
Data Source
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AI summary
A venturi flowmeter (132) for connection to single-use containers is provided. The venturi flowmeter (132) includes a meter body (152) formed of a polymer and configured to allow fluid flow therethrough. A first annular diaphragm (146) is mounted proximate an inner surface of the meter body (152) and has a first internal diameter. A second annular diaphragm (148) is mounted proximate an inner surface of the meter body (152) and has a second internal diameter different from the first internal diameter.