Continuous Manufacturing Project

Integrated continuous processes (ICB) are going to be playing a vital role in modern bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. However, ICB are much more complex to implement than ordinary batch processes and puts high demands on process developer and plant manufacture alike. Bilfinger, as an industrial service provider, targets a frontrunner position in ICB and started the Project in late 2019 to develop an ICB unit for bio-based products. The project has received a funding by the FFG.

Schematic example of an end-to-end process train fort he manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies.

Aim of the project:

The project objective is to design and construct a truly continuous and fully automated ICB unit. Flexible, modular and universal applicable for the production of several bio-based products. Together with BOKU, we are developing an industrial relevant showcase (monoclonal antibody production process) in 2 – 100 L scale.

Advantages:

Reduction in floorspace
Decreased ecological footprint
Reduced capital expenditure and operational costs
Optimized for decentralized and flexible production system

Novelty:

Integration of protein production and protein purification process (incl. 2^nd virus inactivationstep)
Modular structured for highest flexibility
Establishment of ICB control and monitoring concepts
Minimized residence time distribution – enhanced traceability
Fully automated ICB unit for production processes of 30 days +