Gas mixing device

Abstract

A gas mixing device comprising a valve arrangement having a base plate comprising at least two inlet ports, an outlet port, at least two valve interfaces, wherein each inlet port is connected with an inlet conduit through the base plate, the outlet port is connected with an outlet conduit through the base plate, the at least two valve interfaces are arranged on an interface surface of the base plate, wherein each valve interface comprises a fluid input connected with one of the inlet conduits and further comprises a fluid output connected with the outlet conduit; a printed circuit board comprising a power supply connector and at least two electrically powered valve connectors, wherein the printed circuit board comprises an electrical connection between the power supply connector and the at least two electrically powered valve connectors, wherein the printed circuit board is located on the interface surface and wherein the electrically powered valve connectors are located on the respective valve interfaces at a predetermined distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a gas mixing device adapted to connect to various gas sources and provide a preset or variable mixture of different gases to a reaction chamber or bioreactor, or may include a gas source and / or a reaction chamber or bioreactor. Furthermore, the gas mixing device may include programmable logic controls for controlling the gas mixing process in open-loop or closed-loop operations. Background Technology

[0002] As seen in applications in the processing industry, particularly the biochemical industry, gas mixing devices are used as the arrangement mechanism for discrete solenoid valves. These devices are connected to different gas sources and fluids to reaction chambers or bioreactors via separate pipe systems, and are connected to programmable logic controls (PLCs) used to control the gas mixing process in open-loop or closed-loop processes.

[0003] The object of this invention is to provide an improved gas mixing device that ensures easy assembly and maintenance.

[0004] The objective of this invention is achieved using a gas mixing device comprising a valve arrangement having: a substrate including at least two inlet ports, an outlet port, and at least two valve interfaces, wherein each inlet port is connected to an inlet conduit passing through the substrate, and the outlet port is connected to an outlet conduit passing through the substrate; the at least two valve interfaces are arranged on an interface surface of the substrate, wherein each valve interface includes a fluid input end connected to one of the inlet conduits and a fluid output end connected to the outlet conduit; a printed circuit board including a power connector and at least two electric valve connectors, wherein the printed circuit board includes an electrical connection between the power connector and the at least two electric valve connectors, wherein the printed circuit board is located on the interface surface, and wherein the electric valve connectors are located at predetermined distances on the respective valve interfaces; at least two electric valves, wherein each electric valve includes a fluid inlet to be connected to the fluid input end of the valve interface and a fluid outlet to be connected to the fluid output end of the valve interface, and further includes an electric valve plug to be connected to the electric valve connectors, and wherein each electric valve includes a piezoelectric actuator to move a valve member for a fluid passage between a closed position and an open position, the fluid passage extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet of the electric valve.

[0005] The central component of the gas mixing device according to the present invention is a valve arrangement structure, which may also be referred to as a valve island. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The valve arrangement includes a base plate, typically made of a metallic material such as aluminum. The base plate serves as a mounting device for an electric valve and includes a fluid channel system allowing the mixing of at least two gases. The base plate may have at least a nearly cubic shape, with one of its largest surfaces serving as an interface surface, on which at least two valve interfaces are located. Furthermore, the base plate includes at least two inlet conduits, each extending from an inlet port to at least one valve interface. Each inlet port may include a fluid connector or pipe connector for securing a fluid hose or tube (connected to a corresponding gas source). Depending on the type of manufacturing process chosen for manufacturing the base plate, the inlet conduit is implemented as a channel or bore in the base plate. In the case of an aluminum base plate, the conduit in the base plate is typically manufactured by drilling holes in the aluminum material, where the holes can be closed with steel balls where necessary. Additionally, the base plate includes at least one outlet port, which may include a fluid connector or pipe connector for securing a fluid hose or tube connected to a fluid consumer (such as a treatment chamber or bioreactor). The outlet port is connected to an outlet conduit extending to the corresponding fluid output end of the at least two valve interfaces.

[0007] This design of the fluid channels in the substrate allows for the supply of a first gas from a first inlet port through a first inlet conduit and via a first valve interface to an outlet conduit, and a second gas from a second inlet port through a second inlet conduit and via a second valve interface to an outlet conduit. A preset mixture or a variable mixture of gases is provided at the outlet port based on parameters such as gas pressure, conduit diameter, valve diameter, and valve opening time.

[0008] Each valve interface includes a fluid inlet, which can be implemented as an internal aperture in the substrate and is fluidly connected to a corresponding inlet conduit. Each valve interface also includes an outlet conduit, which can be implemented as an internal aperture in the substrate and is fluidly connected to an outlet. Preferably, the orifice or opening of the fluid inlet and the orifice or opening of the fluid outlet are located in a common plane defining the valve interfaces. The fluid inlet and fluid outlet may be designed to receive corresponding connecting pipes or short supply lines from the electric valve, ensuring fluid connection between the inlet conduit, the electric valve, and the outlet conduit.

[0009] The valve arrangement also includes at least two electrically operated valves. Each electrically operated valve includes a valve body with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, wherein a fluid passage extends from the fluid inlet through the valve body to the fluid outlet. The fluid passage includes a valve seat, which is an orifice capable of being closed by means of a valve member (particularly a circular gasket made of a flexible material such as rubber). The valve member is connected to a piezoelectric actuator, particularly a strip piezoelectric bender, which is located in the fluid passage and fixed to the valve body at one end. Operation of the piezoelectric actuator is achieved by applying a source voltage typically in the range of 100 volts to 400 volts, resulting in deformation of the piezoelectric actuator. Depending on the design of the piezoelectric actuator and the geometry of the valve member and valve seat, the application of the source voltage causes the valve member to move between a closed position for the valve seat and an open position for the valve seat (normally closed valve - NC), or causes the valve member to move between an open position for the valve seat and a closed position for the valve seat (normally open valve - NO).

[0010] The valve arrangement also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) made of an insulating material, such as glass fiber reinforced resin (e.g., FR4), having a flat upper surface partially covered with wires made of sheet metal (particularly copper), ensuring electrical connections between predefined contact areas of the PCB. Typically, the PCB is made of several layers of insulating sheet material, each partially covered with wires, and the wires of different layers can be connected via through-connections or vias. The PCB allows for effective contact between the electric valve and the power connector, serving as the electrical interface for the valve arrangement. To allow for rapid electrical installation and removal of the electric valve, each electric valve includes an electric valve connector. The electric valve connectors and electric valve connectors arranged on the PCB allow for the establishment of a reliable electrical connection between the PCB and the corresponding electric valve, which can preferably be established and removed without the use of tools.

[0011] The space occupied by the valve, defined by the distance between the fluid inlet, fluid outlet, and the electric valve connector, is the same as the geometry of the fluid inlet and outlet of the valve interface and the location of the electric valve connector mounted on the printed circuit board. This allows for plug-in mounting of each electric valve on the substrate and printed circuit board.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least two valve interfaces are located on a protrusion extending from the interface surface, and a printed circuit board at least partially surrounds the protrusion and includes a recess adapted to the shape of the protrusion. The protrusion allows for a compact arrangement of the printed circuit board between the interface surface and the valves. The printed circuit board has at least one recess, particularly a cutout (closed recess) or notch (open recess), which allows the printed circuit board to be placed directly on the interface surface, even though the protrusion extends from the interface surface.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, each inlet conduit is connected to only one of the valve interfaces located on the protrusion, and / or the outlet conduit is connected to each fluid interface located on the protrusion. If there is a unique connection between each inlet conduit and one of the valve interfaces on the protrusion, the corresponding protrusion of each electric valve will supply the type of gas supplied to the corresponding inlet port to the outlet port. Furthermore, or alternatively, the outlet conduit is connected to each fluid interface located on the protrusion, meaning that there is a precisely predictable mixing of the gas supplied at the corresponding inlet port. This is especially true if the outlet conduit comprises several outlet conduit sections of the same length and diameter extending from the central mixing point of the outlet conduit to the corresponding valve interface.

[0014] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the substrate includes at least two protrusions, each having a maximum spatial extension, wherein the spatial extensions of the protrusions are oriented parallel to each other, wherein each protrusion is equipped with at least two valve interfaces, and wherein the printed circuit board includes an electric valve connector for each valve interface. Preferably, if the electric valve is placed in a row direction (oriented in the direction of the maximum spatial extension of the protrusion), and if the maximum spatial protrusion of the valve is oriented perpendicular to that row direction, this allows for a compact design for the valve arrangement. Furthermore, it is advantageous if all valve interfaces of the at least two protrusions are arranged in a common plane.

[0015] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, each inlet port is connected to a corresponding fluid source, and the outlet port is connected to a processing chamber or bioreactor. This gas mixing device is capable of performing chemical or biological processes in which reactions occur in a processing chamber or bioreactor, and in which a mixture of different gases is supplied by a valve arrangement and a fluid source connected to the valve arrangement.

[0016] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve arrangement includes a high-voltage power source for each electric valve, the high-voltage power source being located on a printed circuit board or integrated into the respective electric valve, and wherein the high-voltage power source is connected to a power connector. In the field of industrial automation, particularly in the field of solenoid valves, the typical voltage range does not exceed 60 volts. Therefore, in this specific field, voltages exceeding 100 volts are understood as "high voltage". Typically, piezoelectric actuators require source voltages in the range of 100 volts to 400 volts, and therefore it is advantageous if this high voltage is generated locally on the printed circuit board of the valve arrangement or directly in the respective electric valve. In both cases, the source voltage for the valve arrangement is within the range of normal industrial automation applications, and therefore the power connector of the valve arrangement does not require special contact technology or similar technology.

[0017] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the electric valve connector is located on a first surface of a printed circuit board facing away from the interface surface of the substrate, and at least one pressure sensor is located on a second surface of the printed circuit board facing the interface surface of the substrate. The pressure sensor is fluidly connected to one of the inlet and outlet conduits and is connected to a power connector. The pressure sensor allows detection of the supply pressure in the inlet or outlet conduit and provides an electrical signal to the power connector via the printed circuit board. Preferably, the pressure sensor is surface-mounted on a lower surface of the printed circuit board facing the interface surface and includes a connecting tube or short supply line fluidly connected to a section of the inlet or outlet conduit, particularly an inner bore terminating on the interface surface.

[0018] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a mass flow controller is located in the inlet conduit to control the fluid flow rate between the inlet port and the valve interface. Specifically, the mass flow controller is directly connected to a programmable logic controller (PLC). The mass flow controller detects the mass flow rate of the gas in the corresponding inlet conduit and allows for improved control of the mixture. Specifically, one mass flow controller is assigned to each inlet conduit.

[0019] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a power connector is connected to a programmable logic controller (PLC) that provides electrical control signals independently to a high-voltage power source and receives electrical signals from at least one pressure sensor and / or a mass flow controller. The PLC allows for open-loop or closed-loop control of all functions of the gas mixing device, including providing control signals to corresponding electric valves, processing electrical signals from at least one pressure sensor and / or mass flow controller, and, in the case of closed-loop control, adapting control signals based on sensor signals from the pressure sensor and / or mass flow sensor. Furthermore, the PLC can be connected to the control level of an industrial automation system via a communication system, particularly an industrial bus system. The signals from the pressure sensor also allow for faster troubleshooting. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention. Here are shown:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a gas mixing device, which includes a valve arrangement, several fluid sources, and a bioreactor.

[0022] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the valve arrangement.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the fluid system of a gas mixing device, and

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic representation of the space occupied by the electric valve. Detailed Implementation

[0025] According to such Figure 1 The gas mixing device 1 of the embodiment shown includes a valve arrangement structure 2, several fluid sources 3 to 8, a bioreactor 9, and a programmable logic control 10.

[0026] The gas mixing device 1 allows processing of one or more starting materials loaded in a reaction chamber or bioreactor 9. The reaction chamber or bioreactor 9 may include a stirrer for mixing the starting materials with a reaction gas supplied by a gas mixing system, which includes fluid sources 3 to 8 and a valve arrangement 2. The valve arrangement 2 is tasked with providing a mixture of at least two gases supplied by at least two of the fluid sources 3 to 8, wherein the mixing ratio between the at least two gases is controlled by a programmable logic control 10, which provides control signals to the valve arrangement 2.

[0027] As from Figure 2 As can be seen, the valve arrangement structure 2 includes a base plate 11, several electric valves 12, a printed circuit board 13, and a cover 14.

[0028] The substrate 11 is made of a metallic material such as aluminum or stainless steel and serves as a fluid distribution device. Therefore, the substrate 11 includes six fluid inlet ports 15 to 20, three fluid outlet ports 21 to 23, and three protrusions 24 to 26. The substrate 11 has a cubic shape, with the inlet ports 15 to 20 located on a first side surface 27, the outlet ports 21 to 23 located on a second side surface 28, and the protrusions 24 to 26 extending from an interface surface 29. By way of example only, the first side surface 27, the second side surface 28, and the interface surface 29 are all flat and oriented perpendicularly to each other. The protrusions 24 to 26 have a cubic shape, with the maximum spatial extension 30 of each protrusion 24 to 26 oriented parallel to the first side surface 27. Six valve interfaces 32, for example, are implemented on the flat upper surface 31 of each protrusion 26 to 28. Each valve interface 32 includes a fluid inlet end 33 and a fluid outlet end 34, each of which is an inner hole oriented perpendicular to the upper surface 31. In addition, each valve port 32 includes two threaded inner holes 48, 49 for mounting the corresponding electric valve 12 by means of two screws.

[0029] As from Figure 3 (As will be described in more detail below) It can be seen that each fluid inlet 33 is connected to one of the inlet conduits 51 to 56, while each fluid outlet 34 is connected to one of the outlet conduits 61 to 63.

[0030] The distance 35 between the fluid inlet 33 and the fluid outlet 34, and the distance 36 between the valve interfaces 32, are fixed and adapted to the geometry of the electric valve 12. Therefore, the electric valve 12 is mounted in a fixed grid on the corresponding protrusion. Preferably, each fluid inlet 33 and fluid outlet 34 is provided with a sealing ring to ensure a sealed connection between the short supply line (not shown) of the electric valve and the corresponding fluid inlet 33 or fluid outlet 34. The interface surface 29 is provided with a threaded inner bore 37 and a measuring inner bore 38. The threaded inner bore 37 is used to fix the printed circuit board 13 to the substrate 11. The measuring inner bore 38 is used for pressure sensing purposes and is in fluid communication with the corresponding outlet conduits 61 to 63, such as... Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0031] like Figure 2 The printed circuit board 13 shown is typically a multilayer circuit board and is equipped with a power connector 39 and multiple electric valve connectors 40. The power connector 39 is implemented as a D-Sub multipole connector and allows the supply of power and electrical signals to the printed circuit board 13, as well as the transmission of electrical signals from components mounted on the printed circuit board 13. The printed circuit board 13 is equipped with electric valve connectors 40 on its upper surface 43, which may also be referred to as a first surface. These electric valve connectors 40 are positioned at predefined distances to each other and to notches 41 cut into the printed circuit board 13. The electric valve connectors 40 are implemented as zero-insertion-force connectors adapted to receive electric valve inserts, which are implemented as flexible contact strips of corresponding electric valves 12. Each electric valve connector 40 is connected to the power connector 39 via wires (not shown) on the printed circuit board 13, and a programmable logic control 10 is connected to the power connector 39.

[0032] The geometry of the notch 41 of the printed circuit board 13 is adapted to the geometry of the protrusions 24 to 26, allowing the printed circuit board 13 to be placed close to the interface surface 29 of the substrate. Once the printed circuit board 13 is mounted on the substrate 11, the longest edge 45 of the notch 41 is oriented parallel to the maximum spatial extension 30 of the protrusions 24 to 26. The notch 41 of the printed circuit board 13 surrounds the corresponding protrusions 24 to 26 of the substrate 11, thus ensuring a compact arrangement of the printed circuit board 13 between the substrate 11 and the electric valve 12.

[0033] Pressure sensors 46 are located between the printed circuit board 13 and the interface surface 29, wherein each pressure sensor 46 is in fluid communication with one of the measuring bores 38 in the substrate 11. The pressure sensors 46 are configured as surface-mount devices and are electrically connected to a contact pad located on the lower surface 44 of the printed circuit board 13. Each pressure sensor 46 detects the fluid pressure in one of the outlet conduits 61 to 63 in the substrate 11. Each pressure sensor 46 is electrically connected to a power connector 39 to allow the provision of a corresponding pressure signal to a programmable logic control 10, which is connected to the power connector 39, such as... Figure 1 and 3 As shown in the image.

[0034] Cover 14 is attached to substrate 11 to ensure the sealing of printed circuit board 13 and electric valve 12.

[0035] Figure 3 The fluid relationships between fluid sources 3 to 8, conduits 51 to 56 and 61 to 63 in substrate 11, valve interface 32, and bioreactor 9 are shown. Figure 4 The fluid relationship between fluid inlet 33 and fluid outlet 34 is shown, which is achieved by a 2 / 2-way switching valve 72 located in valve housing 71.

[0036] according to Figure 3 Each fluid source 3 to 8 is connected to one of the inlet ports 15 to 20 of the substrate 11. To allow for the determination of individual fluid flow rates from one of the fluid sources 3 to 8 to one of the inlet ports 15 to 20, each fluid source 3 to 8 is assigned a mass flow controller 81 to 86, which is connected to a programmable logic control 10, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. Inlet conduits 51 to 56 extend from each inlet port 15 to 20 to the fluid inlet end 33 of the corresponding valve interface 32. Outlet conduits 61 to 63 connect to all fluid outlet ends 34 of the corresponding protrusions 24 to 26. All outlet conduits 61 to 63 are connected to each other and to the bioreactor 9. Each outlet conduit 61 to 63 is equipped with a pressure sensor 46.

[0037] As from Figure 4 It can be seen that the fluid connection between the fluid input end 33 and the corresponding fluid output end 34 of the valve interface 32 is achieved by an electric valve 12 with a valve housing 71, the lower surface 73 of the valve housing 71 being... Figure 4As shown in the diagram, two short supply lines 74, 75 extend from the lower surface, wherein the first short supply line 74 serves as the fluid inlet of the electric valve 12, and the second short supply line 75 serves as the fluid outlet of the electric valve 12. The short supply lines 74, 75 are connected to a fluid passage 76 passing through the valve housing 71, and a piezoelectric 2 / 2-way switching valve 72 is located in the fluid passage 76 to control the fluid flow between the short supply lines 74, 75. The piezoelectric 2 / 2-way switching valve 72 includes a piezoelectric actuator 77 to move a valve member 78 between a closed position and an open position of the fluid passage 76. The electric valve connector 42 is implemented to be inserted into the valve according to… Figure 2 The flexible printed part in the electric valve connector 42 is electrically connected to the high-power voltage source 79 located in the valve housing 71.

Claims

1. A gas mixing device (1) comprising a valve arrangement structure (2) having: a substrate (11) including at least two inlet ports, an outlet port, and at least two valve interfaces (32), wherein each of the inlet ports is connected to an inlet conduit (51 to 56) passing through the substrate (11), and the outlet port is connected to an outlet conduit (61 to 63) passing through the substrate (11), the at least two valve interfaces (32) being disposed on an interface surface (29) of the substrate (11), wherein each of the valve interfaces (32) includes a fluid input end (33) connected to one of the inlet conduits (51 to 56) and a fluid output end (34) connected to the outlet conduit (61 to 63); a printed circuit board (13) including a power connector (39) and at least two electric valve connectors (40), wherein the printed circuit board (13) includes the power connector (39) and at least two electric valve connectors (40). Electrical connection between connector (39) and at least two electric valve connectors (40), wherein the printed circuit board (13) is located on the interface surface (29), and wherein the electric valve connector (40) is located on the valve interface (32) at a predetermined distance; at least two electric valves (12), wherein each electric valve (12) includes a fluid inlet (74) to be connected to the fluid input end (33) of the valve interface (32) and a fluid outlet (75) to be connected to the fluid output end (34) of the valve interface (32), and further includes an electric valve plug (42) to be connected to the electric valve connector (40), and wherein each electric valve (12) includes a piezoelectric actuator (77) for moving a valve member between a closed position and an open position for a fluid passage (76) extending between the fluid inlet (74) and the fluid outlet (75) of the electric valve (12).

2. The gas mixing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two valve interfaces (32) are located on protrusions (24 to 26) extending from the interface surface (29), and wherein the printed circuit board (13) at least partially surrounds the protrusions (24 to 26) and includes recesses (41) adapted to the shape of the protrusions (24 to 26).

3. The gas mixing device (1) according to claim 2, wherein, Each inlet conduit (51 to 56) is connected to only one of the valve interfaces (32) located on the protrusions (24 to 26), and / or wherein the outlet conduit (61 to 63) is connected to each of the valve interfaces (32) located on the protrusions (24 to 26).

4. The gas mixing device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The substrate (11) includes at least two protrusions (24 to 26), each protrusion having a maximum spatial extension (30), wherein the maximum spatial extension (30) of the protrusions (24 to 26) is oriented parallel to each other, wherein each of the protrusions (24 to 26) is equipped with at least two valve interfaces (32), and wherein the printed circuit board (13) includes the electric valve connector (40) for each of the valve interfaces (32).

5. The gas mixing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of the inlet ports is connected to a corresponding fluid source (3 to 8), and wherein the outlet port is connected to a processing chamber or bioreactor (9).

6. The gas mixing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The valve arrangement structure (2) includes a high-voltage power source (79) for each of the electric valves (12), the high-voltage power source (79) being located on the printed circuit board (13) or integrated in the electric valve (12), and wherein the high-voltage power source (79) is connected to the power connector (39).

7. The gas mixing device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the electric valve connector (40) is located on a first surface (43) of the printed circuit board (13) facing away from the substrate (11) of the interface surface (29), and wherein at least one pressure sensor (46) is located on a second surface (44) of the printed circuit board (13) facing the substrate (11) of the interface surface (29), and wherein the at least one pressure sensor (46) is fluidly connected to one of the inlet conduits (51 to 56) and the outlet conduits (61 to 63) and connected to the power connector (39).

8. The gas mixing device (1) according to claim 7, wherein, A mass flow controller (81 to 86) is located in the inlet conduit (51 to 56) to control the fluid flow between the inlet port and the valve interface (32).

9. The gas mixing device (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The power connector (39) is connected to a programmable logic control (10), which individually provides electrical control signals to the high-voltage power source (79) and receives electrical signals from the at least one pressure sensor (46) and / or from the mass flow controller (81 to 86).

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