Non-Contact Flow Meters in Continuous Processing & Single-Use Applications
SONOFLOW® CO.55 as Component to Fulfil PAT-Requirements in Biopharma Production
The ever-running trend for supporting closed operations with flexible single-use solutions (SUS) designed for continuous processing reflects a paradigm shift in biopharmaceutical facility design. The combination of SUS and continuous bioprocessing is changing the industry’s conception of itself, having a significant impact on facility design by offering a smaller equipment footprint and substantially lower cleaning requirements. The implementation of a continuous process monitoring guarantees to keep process stability and to raise overall efficiency.
SONOFLOW® CO.55 Clamp-On Flow Meters in Bioprocessing Applications
Media and/or Buffer Prep
Non-contact flow meters have effectively replaced lab scales in upstream and downstream bioprocessing such as in media and/or buffer prep. As both, scales and ultrasonic flow sensors perform highly accurate volumetric measurement, flow sensors have some considerable advantages over scales. Once calibrated to a certain environment and flow regime, the sensor operates reliably and accurately.
Their application is time-, space- and money-saving since it is highly flexible in use. A modern flow meter is ready for automation and largely insensitive to outer influences such as vibrations and air flow. Its non-contact to the measured liquid underlines the need to keep sensitive systems closed and prevent from contamination throughout all processes in biopharma production.
Chromatography
High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is widely used as the first separation step in downstream processing. As a constant and reproducible flow rate is important in chromatography, flow sensors can assume a number of important tasks such as to monitor and to provide feedback for pumps. Furthermore, they are used to monitor feeding lines of buffer solutions and can be applied on solvent lines.
Tangential Flow Filtration
Tangential flow filtration (TFF) or cross flow filtration is widely used in up and downstream processes such as for steps in cell harvesting, cell / lysate clarification, fractionation, concentration or diafiltration. The liquids to be filtered are fed in parallel to the filter. This allows solids to be kept in solution and to minimize the buildup of a "filter cake".
Clamp-on flow meters placed at the permeate line of hollow fiber cartridges record flow rate changes during pressure and exhaust cycles or fulfil volume totalizing tasks in place of scales. Further to these tasks, flow meters can be used for flow control on feeding and retentate lines.
Continuous / Perfusion Reactors
Continuous / perfusion reactors are key in keeping a reliable upstream process flow. As fresh media flows into the bioreactor continuously, and media is removed from the bioreactor at the same flow rate, highly accurate flow measurement systems are essentially needed to monitor these critical parameters. Non-contact flow meters can control inflow and removal rate and assure that they are equal. Yet again, the sensors flexibility and low equipment footprint is one of its most valuable advantages. Flow meters can be easily used on flexible tubing sets, maintain reactor sterility, guarantee a stable calibration, and are easy to automate.
Applications of SONOFLOW® & SONOCHECK® Sensors in Bioprocesses
Applications of non-contact flow meters SONOFLOW CO.55 and bubble detectors SONOCHECK ABD06 in upstream and downstream processes of the bioprocessing industry:
- Pump feedback, control and calibration
- Flow rate monitoring
- Volume totalizing
- Dosing and filling
More Information about Ultrasonic Flow Meters
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SONOTEC US Inc.
SONOTEC US Inc.
10 Newton Pl., Ste. 100
Hauppauge, New York 11788