Vertical Vessel Multi-Zone Thermal Control for Blood Plasma Thawing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thawing methods for frozen biological products, such as blood proteins and cells, often result in overheating and denaturation due to inadequate temperature control, leading to degradation of sensitive components during the thawing process.
Innovation Solution
A vertical thawing vessel equipped with multiple independent thermal transfer devices and temperature control systems, including thermocouples and a controller, allows for precise temperature modulation at different levels within the vessel to prevent overheating and ensure efficient thawing without denaturing sensitive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single thermal transfer system is used for thawing frozen biological products, then the thawing process is simple, but the temperature control is inadequate leading to overheating and denaturation of heat-sensitive components
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal transfer system is divided into multiple independent heating zones (first heating zone, second heating zone, third heating zone) with separate temperature control. Each zone can be independently adjusted to maintain different temperatures, allowing precise control of the thawing process and preventing overheating of heat-sensitive biological components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the water bath are assigned different temperature characteristics to match the specific thawing needs of frozen products at different positions. The heating zones are configured to provide localized thermal control, ensuring that each area maintains optimal temperature for its specific function in the thawing process.
2Productivity
If frozen products are left in the vessel after thawing, then the vessel can be used continuously, but the thawed liquid continues to be warmed causing denaturation of sensitive components
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the heating zones based on the thawing stage. During active thawing, heating is applied to melt frozen products. Once thawing is complete, the system can rapidly cool or shut off heating to prevent overheating of the thawed liquid, maintaining product integrity while allowing continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors continuously monitor the temperature in each heating zone and provide feedback to the control system. This allows real-time adjustment of heating power to maintain precise temperature control, preventing denaturation of heat-sensitive components while maximizing vessel utilization.
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 approach enables rapid and efficient thawing of biological products while maintaining the integrity of heat-sensitive components, reducing energy consumption and minimizing degradation, thereby improving the yield of valuable proteins.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of thermal transfer devices operatively associated with the vessel for transferring heat between the vessel and the thermal transfer device
Implementation Method 2
at least one stirring apparatus and thermocouples extending into the interior space of the vessel
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
Described herein are devices and methods for thawing frozen biological products efficiently without harming the products.