Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) as a tool for industrial UF/DF tank optimization

• Published in: Biochemical engineering journal Vol. 160; p. 107617
• Main Authors: Wutz, Johannes, Waterkotte, Björn, Heitmann, Kai, Wucherpfennig, Thomas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15-08-2020
• Subjects: Biopharmaceuticals; CFD Ultrafiltration/Diafiltration; Mixing tank; Purification; Purification; CFD Ultrafiltration/Diafiltration; Biopharmaceuticals; Mixing tank
• ISSN: 1369-703X; 1873-295X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2020.107617

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•Mixing tanks can be characterized using computational fluid dynamics CFD.•Prediction of complex behavior caused by stirring in combination with jet flows.•Testing and optimization of different geometries and operating conditions in silico.•Mixing efficiency as a single parameter to assess the mixing performance including jet flows.
The focus of the current study is the modeling of UF/DF mixing equipment with a focus on mixing performance. When jet flow and stirring are combined, a spatially resolved computational model can be very helpful, as it makes it possible to predict the flow field and thus the mixing behavior of such tanks. In order to evaluate a particular geometry and parameter set, a mixing efficiency term is introduced to allow the assessment of the mixing performance with one single parameter that can be derived from experiments and CFD simulations. This parameter is used to judge the predictability of the presented CFD approach. Small scale experiments are used to validate simulation results and good agreement is achieved. This model is then used to optimize a production scale industrial vessel. Such model approaches will help in developing processes for high titer formulations and enables the design of robust and reliable geometries.