FLUID MODULE, FLUID SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CLEANING A FLUID MODULE

Abstract

A fluid module having a valve node is specified, which includes a base body delimited by an outer surface and having a central fluid space, and at least four fluid channels which are fluidically separated from each other and each open into the central fluid space, wherein at least two valve connections are provided on the outer surface, and wherein a coupling point is provided on the valve node, to which a coupling module is fastened, in which a connection channel is formed, which is fluidically connected to one of the fluid channels in the valve node, and wherein the coupling module includes a coupling valve which selectively unblocks and closes the connection channel. A fluid system having at least two fluid modules, and a method of cleaning a fluid system or a fluid module are furthermore specified.

Claims

1. A fluid module having a valve node which includes a base body delimited by an outer surface and having a central fluid space, and at least four fluid channels which are fluidically separated from each other and each open into the central fluid space, wherein at least two valve connections are provided on the outer surface, and wherein a coupling point is provided on the valve node, a coupling module being fastened to the coupling point, a connection channel being formed in the coupling module, the connection channel being fluidically connected to one of the fluid channels in the valve node, and wherein the coupling module comprises a coupling valve which selectively unblocks and closes the connection channel.

2. The fluid module according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling module is non-destructively detachably fastened to the valve node.

3. The fluid module according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling module includes a coupling valve housing having a valve seat, a closure body cooperating with the valve seat, and a valve actuator for the closure body.

4. The fluid module according to claim 1, characterized in that a seal is arranged at the coupling point between the valve node and the coupling module, which surrounds a discharge opening of the fluid channel opening into the coupling point.

5. The fluid module according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling point is formed by a coupling flange which is formed by a projection of the base body

6. The fluid module according to claim 5, wherein the base body is L-shaped and the coupling point is present on an inner side of one of the legs of the L.

7. The fluid module according to claim 5, characterized in that the coupling point has a coupling face against which the coupling module rests, the coupling face extending in an inclined manner relative to a flow direction of a fluid in the area of the coupling point.

8. The fluid module according to claim 1, characterized in that the base body is substantially parallelepiped-shaped and the coupling point is provided on a side face of the parallelepiped.

9. The fluid module according to claim 1, characterized in that a valve actuator is assigned to each valve connection of the base body.

10. The fluid module according to claim 1, characterized in that positioning means and/or fastening means are provided on the valve node and/or on the coupling module to fasten the coupling module in a defined position on the valve node.

11. The fluid module according to claim 1, characterized in that positioning means and/or fastening means are provided on the coupling valve housing to fasten the coupling module in a defined position on the valve node.

12. The fluid module according to claim 1, characterized in that the central fluid space is openly accessible from at least one side of the base body and, in a plan view of said side, a respective web is formed in the base body on both sides of the central fluid space, each of the two webs forming a valve seat and delimiting the central fluid space with respect to a respective one of the fluid channels adjacent thereto.

13. The fluid module according to claim 12, characterized in that a common closure body is assigned to the two webs, wherein the closure body is a diaphragm which can selectively be pressed in a sealing manner against each of the webs by a valve actuator.

14. A fluid system comprising at least two fluid modules, each fluid module having a valve node which includes a base body delimited by an outer surface and having a central fluid space, and at least four fluid channels which are fluidically separated from each other and each open into the central fluid space, wherein at least two valve connections are provided on the outer surface, and wherein a coupling point is provided on the valve node, a coupling module being fastened to the coupling point, a connection channel being formed in the coupling module, the connection channel being fluidically connected to one of the fluid channels in the valve node, and wherein the coupling module comprises a coupling valve which selectively unblocks and closes the connection channel, wherein the individual fluid modules are connected to each other such that an output fluid channel of the fluid channels of one fluid module is fluidically connected to an input fluid channel of the fluid channels of the at least one further fluid module.

15. A method of cleaning a fluid system according to claim 14, comprising the following steps: closing two of the four fluid channels of one of the at least two fluid modules and unblocking the two remaining fluid channels, supplying a cleaning medium through one of the two unblocked fluid channels, wherein the central fluid space is flowed through, and discharging the cleaning medium through the further unblocked fluid channel.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that during cleaning, at least one of the two unblocked fluid channels is repeatedly closed and reopened in a pulse-like manner.

17. A method of cleaning a fluid module according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: closing two of the four fluid channels of the fluid module and unblocking the two remaining fluid channels, supplying a cleaning medium through one of the two unblocked fluid channels, wherein the central fluid space is flowed through, and discharging the cleaning medium through the further unblocked fluid channel.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that during cleaning, at least one of the two unblocked fluid channels is repeatedly closed and reopened in a pulse-like manner.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] FIG. 1 schematically shows a fluid system according to the invention having a plurality of fluid modules according to the invention,

[0045] FIG. 2 shows a fluid system according to the invention having a plurality of fluid modules according to the invention, the fluid modules being each illustrated in different stages of assembly,

[0046] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the fluid system from FIG. 2,

[0047] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the fluid system from FIGS. 2 and 3,

[0048] FIG. 5 shows a fluid module according to the invention,

[0049] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of a valve node having a coupling module,

[0050] FIG. 7 shows a sectional view through a part of the valve node and the coupling module,

[0051] FIG. 8 shows a base body of a valve node,

[0052] FIG. 9 shows a perspective sectional view of a part of the fluid module,

[0053] FIG. 10 shows a base body of a valve node,

[0054] FIG. 11 shows a perspective sectional view of a part of the fluid module,

[0055] FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of a part of a fluid module according to the invention in a further embodiment, and

[0056] FIG. 13 shows a perspective sectional view of the fluid module from FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] FIG. 1 schematically shows a fluid system 10 according to the invention having a plurality of fluid modules 12 according to the invention. The individual fluid modules 12 are fluidically connected to each other.

[0058] Each fluid module 12 comprises a valve node 14 having four fluid channels 16, 17, 18, 19 which are fluidically separated from each other and open into a central fluid space 20.

[0059] The fluid channels 16, 17, 18, 19 and the central fluid space 20 are formed in a base body 22 which can be seen in FIG. 2.

[0060] The fluid module 12 further comprises four individual valves 24, 25, 26, 27, each of which serves to block or unblock a fluid flow through an associated fluid channel 16, 17, 18, 19.

[0061] One of the individual valves 24, 25, 26, 27 is part of a coupling module 28, which is fastened to the valve node 14 at a coupling point 30. The corresponding individual valve 27 thus forms a coupling valve. The separation between the valve node 14 and the coupling modules 28 is illustrated by a dashed line in FIG. 1. The coupling modules 28 are shown slightly spaced from the valve nodes 14. In the assembled state, however, the coupling modules 28 are in direct contact with the valve nodes 14, in particular the coupling point 30.

[0062] The individual fluid modules 12 serve to supply a supply medium to, or remove a product from a container 32 connected to a fluid module 12. The container 32 is, for example, a so-called tub basin stack having a plurality of receiving spaces which separated from each other.

[0063] For example, each fluid module 12 can supply a different receiving space of the container 32. In this case, the containers 32 shown separately in FIG. 1 illustrate individual receiving spaces of a common tub basin stack.

[0064] The fluid channels 16, 17, 18, 19 formed in the valve node 14 are a cleaning media feeding channel (fluid channel 16), a supply media feeding channel (fluid channel 17), an outlet channel (fluid channel 18), and a transfer channel (fluid channel 19).

[0065] The transfer channel 19 opens into the coupling point 30 and is fluidically connected to a connection channel 34 formed in the coupling module 28.

[0066] The connection channel 34 has a connection 36 at its end facing away from the valve node 14, which is suitable for connecting a flexible fluid line to connect the fluid module 12 to the container 32.

[0067] Accordingly, each of the fluid modules 12 has a supply media input 38, a media output 40, a cleaning media input 42, and the connection 36.

[0068] In the fluid system 10 shown schematically in FIG. 1, the individual fluid modules 12 are connected to each other in that an output fluid channel of the fluid channels 16, 17, 18, 19 of one fluid module 12, more specifically the outlet channel 18, is fluidically connected to an input fluid channel of the fluid channels 16, 17, 18, 19 of an adjacent fluid module 12, more specifically the cleaning media feeding channel 16.

[0069] In particular, the media output 40 of a fluid module 12 is respectively connected to the cleaning media input 42 of a subsequent fluid module 12.

[0070] The valves 24, 26 assigned to the cleaning media feeding channel 16 and the outlet channel 18 serve as intermediate bulkhead valves, that is the individual fluid modules 12 can be fluidically separated from each other by means of the valves 24, 26.

[0071] By opening or closing the valves 24, 25, 26, 27 in a suitable manner, different media flows can be directed through the fluid system 10. For this purpose, two fluid channels of a fluid module 12 are selectively closed and the two other fluid channels of a fluid module 12 are opened.

[0072] More precisely, three different states of the fluid system 10 are possible.

[0073] In a first state (supply state), the containers 32 are supplied with a supply medium. For this purpose, the valves 25, 27 assigned to the supply media feeding channel 17 and the transfer channel 19 are open and the remaining valves 24, 26 are closed so that a supply media flow can flow from the supply media input 38 to the connection 36.

[0074] In a further state (removal state) of the fluid system 10, a product can be discharged from the containers 32. For this purpose, the valves 24, 25 assigned to the cleaning media feeding channel 16 and the supply media feeding channel 17 are closed, while the remaining valves 26, 27 are open. In this condition, a product can flow from the containers 32 to the media output 40.

[0075] If a plurality of fluid modules 12 are connected in series, as shown in FIG. 1, only the valve 24 closes the cleaning media feeding channel 16 in the first fluid module 12 as viewed in the direction of flow when the product is discharged. In the subsequent fluid modules 12, only the valve 25 assigned to the supply media feeding channel 17 is closed. The product can thus flow through the complete fluid system 10.

[0076] Furthermore, the fluid system 10 can be brought into a cleaning state.

[0077] For cleaning, two fluid channels 16, 18 or valves 24 and 26 of a fluid module are opened, while the other two fluid channels 17, 19 or valves 25 and 27 are closed. A cleaning medium can then be supplied through one of the two unblocked fluid channels, in particular the cleaning media feeding channel 16, and flow from the cleaning media input 42 to the media output 40 of a fluid module 12, the areas of the fluid module 12 in contact with the medium being thus cleaned. In particular the central fluid space is flowed through.

[0078] The cleaning medium is then discharged through the further unblocked fluid channel, in particular the outlet channel 18.

[0079] Depending on the requirements, various cleaning media such as, for example, ultrapure steam, water for injection purposes or chemical cleaning agents can be used successively or alternatively.

[0080] By respectively connecting the media output 40 of the fluid system 10 to the cleaning medium input 42 of a subsequent fluid module 12, the cleaning medium can flow through all fluid modules 12 of the fluid system 10 if the valves are switched accordingly. This cleaning medium flow is illustrated by an arrow in FIG. 4.

[0081] To improve the cleaning effect, at least one of the two unblocked fluid channels 16, 18 can be repeatedly closed and reopened in a pulse-like manner during cleaning. In other words, one or more valves 24, 26 may be switched in a clocked manner.

[0082] In addition to the fluid modules 12, the fluid system 10 further comprises an output module 44 arranged on an output side 46 of the fluid system 10.

[0083] The output module 44 has a media input 48, a media output 49, and a cleaning media output 50. Furthermore, the output module 44 comprises three individual valves 51, 52, 53, in particular an input valve 51, an output valve 52, and a cleaning media output valve 53.

[0084] A cleaning medium collecting container 54 is arranged at the cleaning medium output 50, which is fluidically connected to the cleaning medium output 50. The cleaning medium can be collected therein after the purging of the fluid system 10.

[0085] A product container 55 is arranged at the media output 49, which is fluidically connected to the media output 49 and in which a product removed from the containers 32 can be collected.

[0086] The containers 32 contain, for example, cell cultures which are repeatedly supplied with a supply medium or with different supply media during a growth phase over a longer period of time, for example over several weeks.

[0087] The containers 32 are usually uncoupled from the fluid system 10 after a supply with supply medium or after removal of a product from the containers 32, such that a fluid system 10 is not continuously occupied. In the meantime, additional containers 32 may be coupled to the fluid system 10.

[0088] At the end of the growth phase of the cell cultures, removal of the product usually occurs.

[0089] Due to the possibility of cleaning the fluid system 10 as previously described, the risk of contaminating a container 32 with residues of an incorrect supply medium is minimized.

[0090] For example, cleaning may be performed each time a container 32 is uncoupled from the fluid system 10 and/or each time a container 32 is coupled to the fluid system 10.

[0091] The coupling module 28 may be cleaned in an autoclave prior to assembly to the valve node 14.

[0092] FIGS. 2 to 4 show a fluid system 10 according to the invention having a plurality of, in particular four fluid modules 12, FIG. 4 showing a section through the fluid system 10. The output module 44 shown schematically in FIG. 1 is not shown for reasons of simplicity.

[0093] FIGS. 2 to 4 show the individual fluid modules 12 in different stages of assembly for better illustration, a fully assembled fluid module 12 being shown on the left in FIG. 2.

[0094] Each of the fluid modules 12 includes a valve node 14 having a base body 22 delimited by an outer surface 56. A plurality of connections 57 are provided on the base body 22 and are assigned to the fluid channels 16, 17, 18 in the base body 22.

[0095] Two valve connections 58, 60 are provided on the outer surface 56, only the valve connection 58 being visible in FIGS. 2 and 3 and the further valve connection 60 (see FIG. 8) being concealed.

[0096] In the fully assembled state of a fluid module 12, a valve actuator 62, 64 is provided at each valve connection 58, 60 of the base body 22. In the example embodiment shown, the valve actuators 62, 64 are flanged to the valve node 14.

[0097] The valve actuator 62 assigned to the supply media feeding channel 17 is, for example, a two-way diaphragm valve actuator. Two different embodiments are shown for the valve actuator 62 in FIGS. 2 and 3, which can selectively be used in the fluid system 10.

[0098] The valve actuators 64 assigned to the cleaning media feeding channel 16 and the outlet channel 18, respectively, are each a so-called multiport valve actuator.

[0099] As can be seen in FIG. 2, a valve seat 66 is provided in the area of the valve connection 58. A closure body which can be moved by the valve actuator 62 can cooperate with the valve seat 66.

[0100] FIGS. 2 and 3 further illustrate the fastening of the coupling module 28 at the coupling point 30. In addition, it can be seen in FIG. 2 that the transfer channel 19 opens at the coupling point 30.

[0101] Each coupling module 28 comprises a coupling valve housing 68 having a valve seat 69. Further, the coupling module 28 comprises a closure body, which is not shown in the figures, and a valve actuator 70 for the closure body. The closure body of the coupling module 28 is for example a diaphragm.

[0102] The closure body cooperates with the valve seat 69 in the coupling valve housing 68. The illustrated valve actuator 70 can be operated by hand. However, it is also conceivable to use a valve actuator which can be driven hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically.

[0103] A seal 72, in particular an FDA molded seal, is arranged between the base body 22 and the coupling module 28. It surrounds a discharge opening 21 of the transfer channel 19.

[0104] FIG. 3 shows the fluid system 10 in a possible installation position. In this installation position, the fluid system 10 is arranged in an inclined manner such that there is a slope between the cleaning medium inlet 42 of the first fluid module 12 and the media output 40 of the last fluid module 12 of the fluid system 10. Due to this slope, the fluid system 10 is self-draining. Furthermore, this installation position enables a media transport without auxiliary energy. However, it is also conceivable to use a pump to support the media transport.

[0105] The installation angle or the slope that is necessary for a self-draining depends on the nominal width of the transfer channel 19 and the seat contour of the valve seat 69 of the coupling module 28. In order to mark the installation angle, there can be a marking on the fluid module 12, which must be at the top when the fluid module 12 is installed.

[0106] The described installation position also prevents the mixing of media in the event of a defect or malfunction of the multiport valve actuator and allows the internal volume to the coupling module 28 to be kept low.

[0107] Three of the total of four fluid channels 16, 17, 18, 19, which are fluidically separated from each other and are present in the base body 22, as well as the central fluid space 20 can be seen in the sectional view in FIG. 4. More precisely, the cleaning media feeding channel (fluid channel 16), the outlet channel (fluid channel 18) and the transfer channel (fluid channel 19) can be seen. Only the supply media feeding channel (fluid channel 17) cannot be seen in FIG. 4. All fluid channels 16, 17, 18, 19 open into the central fluid space 20.

[0108] When the coupling module 28 is fastened to the coupling point 30, the transfer channel 19 is fluidly connected to the connection channel 34 formed in the coupling module 28. Thus, the transfer channel 19 and the connection channel 34 together form a connecting channel from the central fluid space 20 to the connection 36.

[0109] FIG. 5 shows a single, fully assembled fluid module 12.

[0110] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of a fluid module 12 having a valve node 14 and a coupling module 28.

[0111] As can already be seen in FIG. 2, the coupling point 30 is formed by a coupling flange 74, which is formed by a projection 76 of the base body 22. In particular, the base body 22 is L-shaped and the coupling point 30 is formed on an inner side of one of the legs of the L.

[0112] In particular, the coupling point 30 has a coupling face 31 against which the coupling module 28 rests.

[0113] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the coupling face 31 extends in sections in an inclined manner relative to a flow direction of the fluid in the area of the coupling point 30, for example by an angle between 5° and 15°. The coupling face 31 in particular encloses an obtuse angle with an inner side of the further leg of the L in the area of the inclination, for example an angle between 95° and 110°. The inclination ensures that the seal 72 is not damaged when the coupling module 28 is fastened. Thus, it is not necessary for the entire coupling face 31 to be inclined, rather, it is sufficient if the part of the coupling face 31 in which the seal is arranged is inclined.

[0114] The coupling valve housing 68 has a correspondingly inclined surface, such that the coupling module 28 can be positioned in a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0115] It can also be seen in the exploded view that positioning means 78 and fastening means 80 are provided on the valve node 14.

[0116] The positioning means 78 are formed by elevated portions which can engage corresponding recesses in the coupling valve housing 68 in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner. The positioning means 78 can be spring-mounted so that they can be pressed into the base body 22 when pressure is applied and can latch in the coupling valve housing 68 when the end position of the coupling module 28 is reached.

[0117] In particular, the fastening means 80 are threaded bolts onto which a fixing element 82 can be screwed to fix the coupling module 28 to the valve node 14.

[0118] The fixing elements 82 may include a screw nut. In addition, the fixing elements 82 have wings that allow for one-handed operation without tools.

[0119] The coupling valve housing 68 has corresponding cavities 84, in which the fastening means 80 can engage. Preferably, the cavities 84 are open in one direction to facilitate assembly so that the coupling valve housing 68 can be easily pushed onto the valve node 14.

[0120] To prevent damage to the seal 72 when pushing the coupling module 28 on, the coupling module 28 is rounded at an edge 85 facing the valve node 14 (see FIG. 7).

[0121] By detaching the fastening means 80, the coupling module 28 can be detached from the valve node 14 in a non-destructive manner, if required.

[0122] FIG. 7 shows a partial section through the valve node 14 shown in FIG. 6 with the coupling module 28 fastened thereto. FIG. 7 shows the course of the connecting channel formed by the transfer channel 19 and the connection channel 34.

[0123] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the valve node 14, in which the valve connections 58 and 60 can be seen.

[0124] FIG. 8 further shows that the central fluid space 20 is openly accessible from at least one side of the base body 22 and, in a plan view of said side, a respective web 86, 88 is formed in the base body 22 on either side of the central fluid space 20, each of the two webs 86, 88 forming a valve seat.

[0125] Furthermore, each of the two webs 86, 88 delimits the central fluid space 20 with respect to a respective one of the fluid channels 16, 18 adjacent thereto, in particular with respect to the cleaning media feeding channel (fluid channel 16) and the outlet channel (fluid channel 18).

[0126] The fact that the webs 86, 88, which each form a valve seat, are accessible from the same side makes it possible to use the multiport valve actuator 64 mentioned above. This means that a common valve actuator 64 is assigned to two individual valves, in the present case the valve 24, which is assigned to the cleaning media feeding channel 16, and the valve 26, which is assigned to the outlet channel 18. The two valves 24, 26 can be controlled simultaneously or independently of each other.

[0127] A common closure body 90 (see FIG. 4) is assigned to the two webs 86, 88 for this purpose. The closure body 90 is a diaphragm which can be selectively pressed in a sealing manner against each of the webs 86, 88 by the valve actuator 64.

[0128] FIG. 9 shows a perspective sectional view of the valve node 14 shown in FIG. 8 with a coupling module 28 fastened thereto. The valve actuator 70 is shown in FIG. 9 in a highly simplified form without an inner workings.

[0129] In FIGS. 8 and 9, an arrow is used to illustrate a supply media flow. In particular, the supply media flow flows from the supply media input 38 via the valve seat 66 into the central fluid space 20, and from there through the transfer channel 19 into the connection channel 34 of the coupling module 28.

[0130] FIGS. 10 and 11 also show a perspective view of a valve node 14 and a sectional view through a valve node 14 with a coupling module 28 fastened thereto, respectively.

[0131] In FIGS. 10 and 11, an arrow is used to illustrate a product flow instead of a supply media flow. The product flow passes from the connection 36 through the connection channel 34 in the coupling module 28 and the transfer channel into the central fluid space 20, and from there to media output 40.

[0132] FIG. 10 additionally illustrates the cleaning media flow with a dashed arrow.

[0133] FIGS. 12 and 13 show a valve node 14 with a coupling module 28 according to a further embodiment in an exploded view and in a perspective sectional view.

[0134] For identical structures having identical functions, which are known from the previously described embodiment, the same reference numerals are used in the following, and in this respect, reference is made to the previous explanations, the differences with respect to the previous embodiment being discussed below in order to avoid repetition.

[0135] The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 differs from the previously described embodiment in the spatial orientation of the coupling point 30 and the coupling face 31, respectively.

[0136] Here, the base body 22 is not L-shaped, but is essentially parallelepiped-shaped. More precisely, the base body 22 has the shape of a parallelepiped having an attached ramp.

[0137] The coupling point 30 or the coupling face 31 is provided on a side face 92 of the parallelepiped.

[0138] In addition, the fluid module 12 illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 differs from the previously described embodiment in the orientation of the coupling module 28 relative to the valve node 14, mainly due to the different orientation of the coupling face 31. The coupling module 28 is oriented substantially vertically.

[0139] In the installed position, the connection channel 34 formed in the coupling module 28 extends downward, whereas in the previously described embodiment, the connection channel 34 extends substantially horizontally in the installed position.

[0140] The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 has the advantage that a fluid can flow particularly quickly through the coupling module 28 to a container 32 due to the orientation of the connection channel 34.

[0141] The previously described embodiment, on the other hand, is equally well suited for supplying a fluid to and removing a fluid from a container 32, respectively.