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Publication Number
US-11999938-B2
Publication Date
2024-06-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
This disclosure describes an improved heat transfer system for use in reaction vessels used in chemical and biological processes. In one embodiment, a heat transfer baffle comprising two sub-assemblies adjoined to one another is provided.
Core Innovation
A sanitary heat transfer baffle system for reaction vessels includes two sub-assemblies adjoined to form distribution channels for circulating heat transfer media, and one or more relief channels for venting and/or leak detection. The system is formed such that heat transfer media may be circulated through the distribution channels without also circulating through the relief channels, and inlet and outlet headers provide uniform distribution of the heat transfer media.
The baffle is attached to the vessel with substantially seamless joints to support sanitary processing such as clean-in-place and sterilize-in-place. The baffle includes reinforced cross-sections configured to withstand hydraulic forces associated with agitation in the reaction vessel, and relief holes or venting paths are associated with the relief channels.
The disclosed baffle structure is used in heat-transfer testing in a stirred vertical vessel, including an example construction approach using multiple angled baffles. The disclosed performance results report high overall heat transfer coefficients across an examined range, including values on the order of more than 200 BTU/hr-ft2-°F at approximately 37°C and about 237 BTU/hr-ft2-°F across the examined range.
Claims Coverage
The partial content identifies one independent claim (a method) and related dependent claims that refine distribution-channel connectivity, heat transfer media options, vessel integration, relief-channel venting, and baffle attachment and stress-attenuating features. The independent claim is directed to adjoining sub-assemblies to form distribution channels while forming a relief channel between them such that circulation can be limited to the distribution channel(s).
Adjoining sub-assemblies to form distribution channels and a relief channel
Adjoining a first sub-assembly and a second sub-assembly, each consisting essentially of a first material adjoined to a second material to provide a distribution channel, and adjoining them together with a third material to provide at least one relief channel formed between the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly, wherein heat transfer media may be circulated through at least one distribution channel without also circulating through at least one relief channel.
Relief-channel placement between distribution sub-assemblies
Forming at least one relief channel between the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly so that heat transfer media may be circulated through the distribution channel without also circulating through the relief channel.
Across the independent claim and the dependent refinements, the coverage centers on forming distribution channels from adjoining material pairs while positioning a relief channel between those distribution sub-assemblies to permit heat transfer media circulation through distribution channel(s) without circulation through the relief channel.
Stated Advantages
Sanitary attachment supports clean-in-place and sterilize-in-place via substantially seamless joints.
Enables heat transfer media to circulate through distribution channels without also circulating through relief channels.
Relief channels provide venting and/or leak detection.
Reinforced cross-sections are configured to withstand hydraulic forces during agitation.
Documented Applications
Use in reaction vessels, including chemical/biological/biopharmaceutical fermentors, with sanitary heat transfer baffle systems for circulating heat transfer media.
Heat-transfer testing in a stirred vertical vessel using multiple angled baffles.
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