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Publication Number
US-11148076-B2
Publication Date
2021-10-19
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to settling devices for separating particles from a bulk fluid with applications in numerous fields. The particle settling devices of the present disclosure may include a stack of truncoconical cones that may be arranged in opposite orientation, apex to base. Other embodiments include several concentric vertical tubes attached to conical surfaces at the bottom, with inclined settling strips attached to the vertical tubes in annular regions between the tubes. These devices are useful for separating small (millimeter or micron sized) particles from a bulk fluid with applications in numerous fields, such as biological (microbial, mammalian, plant, insect or algal) cell cultures, solid catalyst particle separation from a liquid or gas and waste water treatment.
Core Innovation
A settling device is provided with a housing having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a cylindrical portion located between the upper and lower portions. The device includes at least one inlet for introducing liquid into the housing, a first outlet port in the upper portion for harvesting a clarified liquid, and a second outlet port in the lower portion for harvesting a concentrated liquid. The device also includes a sensor operable to measure at least one of pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and temperature within the housing.
The device further includes a stack of cones located within the housing and occupying at least part of the cylindrical portion. Each cone of the stack includes a truncated apex and an open base, with the truncated apex of each cone oriented toward the second outlet port in the lower portion. In this configuration, the truncated apex of each cone defines a substantially central opening.
A method of settling particles in a suspension is disclosed that includes introducing a liquid suspension of particles into the settling device with the above housing, inlet, first port for harvesting a clarified liquid, and second port for discharging a concentrated liquid suspension. The method includes collecting the clarified liquid from the first port and collecting the concentrated liquid suspension from the second port, while the sensor measures at least one of pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and temperature within the housing.
Claims Coverage
Two independent claims are identified: clm-00001 for the settling device structure and clm-00010 for the settling method. Each independent claim centers on a housing with upper and lower outlet ports, a sensor measuring pH/DO/temperature, and a stack of cones with truncated apices oriented toward the lower concentrated-liquid outlet.
Stack of truncated cones oriented toward the concentrated-liquid outlet
A stack of cones located within the housing and occupying at least part of the cylindrical portion, where each cone includes a truncated apex and an open base and the truncated apex of each cone is oriented toward the second outlet port in the lower portion.
Two-outlet housing for clarified and concentrated liquid harvesting with integrated pH/DO/temperature sensing
A housing having an upper portion and a lower portion with a first outlet port in the upper portion for harvesting a clarified liquid and a second outlet port in the lower portion for harvesting a concentrated liquid, together with a sensor operable to measure at least one of pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and temperature within the housing.
Truncated apex defining a substantially central opening in a cone stack for particle settling method
A stack of cones located within the housing and occupying at least part of the cylindrical portion, where each cone includes a truncated apex and an open base, the truncated apex oriented toward the lower portion and defining a substantially central opening.
Collecting clarified and concentrated fractions from respective ports during particle settling
Collecting the clarified liquid from a first port and collecting the concentrated liquid suspension from a second port after introducing a liquid suspension of particles into the settling device.
The independent claims collectively define a particle/cell settling system that fractionates into clarified liquid and concentrated liquid suspension using a housing with upper and lower outlet ports, a sensor that measures at least one of pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and temperature, and an internal stack of truncated cones with the truncated apices oriented toward the concentrated-liquid outlet.
Stated Advantages
Enables selective removal of dead cells and cell debris from top effluent while recycling of live cells in continuous perfusion of recombinant yeast.
Supports harvesting clarified liquid and harvesting concentrated liquid suspension for particle/cell settling.
Supports separation and recovery of solids in catalyst particle recycle, crystallization/flocculation/precipitation solids recovery, and wastewater clarification.
Documented Applications
Continuous perfusion of recombinant yeast (Pichia pastoris) with selective removal of dead cells/debris from top effluent and recycling of live cells.
Clarification of beer (yeast removal).
Mammalian cell perfusion.
Vaccine/VLP harvesting.
Catalyst particle recycle.
Wastewater clarification (including activated sludge clarification).
Crystallization/flocculation/precipitation solids recovery.
Additional bio/chemical fractionation and purification scenarios.
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