Conference Dates
September 17-21, 2017
Abstract
In this contribution an industrial case study, consisting of several unit operations operated in batch mode, was converted to an integrated separation process. The complete downstream process consisted of an anion exchange step, followed by virus inactivation and finally a hydrophobic interaction step. Moving from batch to integrated separation minimizes hold-up times, storage tanks and required equipment. The conversion from batch to integrated mode was achieved by extracting operating points and separation data from batch chromatograms. The integrated separation process was realized on an ÄKTA Pure controlled by a newly developed software called Orbit. The setup consisted of two column valves which were used alternatively. In order to send the sample or the buffers from one column to another, two versatile valves were used before and after the column valves. In addition, an outlet valve after the second versatile valve sent the pool back to the first versatile valve to begin a new phase. Orbit works on top of UNICORN through an OPC interface. The new controller is very flexible and can handle different column configurations. There is great power in being able to control every valve and pump. This is exploited by Orbit which allows both high and low level inputs. High level inputs are operating conditions (i.e flow rate and flow path). The high level inputs are automatically transformed into low level inputs (i.e. valve positions) that the OPC server can read. The processes that can be controlled are among others end-to-end downstream processes as well as integrated filtration systems such as UF/DF.
Recommended Citation
Anton Löfgren, Niklas Andersson, Joaquin Gomis Fons, Anton Sellberg, and Bernt Nilsson, "Conversion of an industrial batch separation process to an autonomous integrated downstream process – A case study Anton Lofgren, Lund University, Sweden" in "Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing III", Suzanne Farid, University College London, United Kingdom Chetan Goudar, Amgen, USA Paula Alves, IBET, Portugal Veena Warikoo, Axcella Health, Inc., USA Eds, ECI Symposium Series, (2017). https://dc.engconfintl.org/biomanufact_iii/84