PERFUSION TUBE ANALYSIS

Objective

Understand the fluid dynamics near the perfusion tube and resulting cell clump motion in a biosynthetic fermenter Study the effect of upward and downward flow patterns on product removal

Results

Velocity distribution near the perfusion tube for - Upward and downward flow patterns - Different perfusion rates Flow behavior at the tube entrance - Recirculation regions - Adverse pressure gradients Maximum size of clumps drawn from the fermenter Particle tracking for flow visualization and show how cell clumps are removed

Benefits

Provide flow visualization of perfusion tube design principles Provide process parameters to minimize cell clump removal and improve product yields

Process Parameters

Perfusion rate Perfusion tube configuration - Diameter - Shape (cylindrical, helical)

Performance Evaluations

Adverse pressure gradients at tube entrance causes backflow of fluid from inside tube Flow recirculation regions Stagnation areas due to bifurcation of the flow