Complex Pump-Driven Blending In A Bioprocess Application

By Cory Hinz, Engineering Manager, Asahi Kasei Bioprocess America

Inline Buffer Formulation and Liquid Chromatography Elution Gradients

There are quite a few applications that require multiple streams to converge into a single process flow. Two such examples are buffer formulation and liquid chromatography gradient elution. In bioprocess applications, the required feeds are not typically pressurized, making it necessary to have a dedicated pump for each. A multi-head diaphragm pump is the optimal choice for low flow pulsation and high repeatability – these pumps must pull suction when primed in order to steadily drive process fluid from a bag or carboy into the system. Then again, WFI or PW utilities may reach the system at a much higher pressure than other process inlets. If this occurs, a sanitary liquid regulator can be used to balance the water inlet with all other contributing feeds. Read more to see what happens next.