Fluid management

Fluid preparation, transfer, and storage are essential in upstream and downstream biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes. Making sure you have the right bags, connectors, tubing and mixing equipment for the fluids used in the manufacture of biologics is crucial to help prevent contamination. Many elements contribute to the integrity of a bioprocessing fluid management plan, from facility design to equipment selection.

Our bioprocessing fluid management systems include single-use tubing and bag and bin assemblies, mixers, processing stations, and tube sealers or fusers. We offer single-use connectors to ensure sterile connection and easy disconnection.

Fluid handling and management

The need to safely process, collect, and transfer fluids is part of both upstream and downstream bioprocessing applications. Efficient handling is crucial, from preparing and moving simple buffers and cleaning solutions to filling the final product.

Bioprocessing fluid management system challenges

Logistics and regulatory requirements make up the main challenges for fluid and buffer management in biopharmaceutical production processes. Regulatory authorities' stringent requirements must be met to ensure the safety of biopharmaceutical products.

Biomanufacturing operations are often conducted under sterile or aseptic conditions to meet or exceed the bioburden of the respective specifications. This is a critical component of current good manufacturing practice (cGMP).

Traditional processes involving stainless steel pipes necessitate cleaning and sterilization operations, such as cleaning-in-place (CIP) and sterilize-in-place (SIP). They also involve appropriate validation before any interaction with process liquids. These multi-use systems limit scalability and cost efficiency because resources are tied to these phases.

Single-use, standardized fluid management solutions can free up resources and minimize supply chain hiccups while increasing efficiency and productivity.

Bioprocessing fluid management equipment

Equipment and supplies used in bioprocessing buffer or fluid management include:

• Liquid handling bags and assemblies: Single-use bags and tubing assemblies facilitate connectivity with other components.
• Mobile processing stations: These wheeled carts feature shelves and clamps to hold hanging bags.
• Single-use connectors: Our genderless connectors are easy to plug into and out of the bioprocesses. They come in varying sizes.
• Single-use mixers: We offer portable ReadyToProcess™ mixers for benchtop work as well as larger-scale Xcellerex™ single-use mixing systems.
• Storage bins and assemblies: Storage bins come with single-use assemblies to allow in-process liquid storage and handling.
• Tube sealers and fusers: These are equipment for manual or automatic tubing fusion. Sterile tube sealers eliminate the need for controlled environment devices like a laminar flow hood.

Bioprocessing fluid management FAQs

Below are some commonly asked questions about bioprocessing fluid management.

What is fluid management in bioprocessing?

Fluid management describes the systems, parts, and process used to prepare, store, and transport process liquids such as buffers and cell culture media used in bioprocessing. Fluid management systems should aim to reduce contamination and streamline efficiency.