Microfiltration container

Abstract

The invention relates to a microfiltration container (2) comprising a base (1) for a microfiltration container (2), said container being adapted to accommodate at least one microstrainer (3) and forming a fluid passage forcing a fluid flowing from a fluid inlet (4) to a fluid outlet (5) to flow through said microstrainer (3); wherein the base (1) is an integral main body, namely, the base (1) is made into a single piece; wherein a micro-filter seat (6) is formed in the base (1) for accommodating and fixing the at least one micro-filter (3); wherein at least one first valve half-chamber (7) is formed in said base (1), the at least one first valve half-chamber being adapted to accommodate a first movable valve element (8) adapted to be moved from a valve open position to a valve closed position; wherein the at least one first valve half-chamber (7) comprises at least one first abutment surface (9) for sealing the movable valve element (8); wherein the microfiltration container (2) comprises a container bell (28); wherein the container bell (28) comprises a cylindrical bell body (42), in which a first lower end of the bell body is sealingly connectable to the base (1), and in which an upper opposite end of the bell body is closed by a bell cap (43).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally belongs to the field of microfiltration container bases and relates to a microfiltration container including such a base.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a microfiltration container primarily in the fields of pharmaceutical applications, biotechnology, microelectronics and applications requiring filtration purification technologies suitable and validated for obtaining sterile, pyrogen-free fluids of high purity. Background Art

[0003] In pharmaceutical applications, as in many other production areas, filtration (for sterilization and for the production of ultra-clean fluids) is now a common practice.

[0004] The first application can be traced back to the end of the last World War, when microporous membrane filters with different retention levels were introduced. Membrane filters (hereinafter also referred to as "filters") appear in sheet form, and these membrane filters are sold in the form of discs or filter cartridges, which can cover a surface area of ​​only a few cm. 2 (disc form) to several m 2 (e.g., filter elements with pleated membranes).

[0005] For use, the filter needs to be fitted in a filter holder (hereinafter referred to as a "container"). Suitable containers for sheet filters and filter cartridges are available.

[0006] The container for filter cartridges of the prior art (see FIG1 ) consists of a filter cartridge holder "base" and a closed "bell jar" suitable for receiving the microfiltration cartridge. The base contains an attachment for connecting the microfiltration cartridge, as well as two curved pipes, one for introducing the solution to be filtered and the other, connected to the center of the filter holder attachment and allowing the fluid to be discharged from the inner center of the filter.

[0007] Solutions of this type are described, for example, in GB 2 202 164 A and EP 0 051 373 .

[0008] In order to use these known microfiltration vessels, the vessel needs to be equipped with a series of accessories and instruments that allow the filtration barrier to be created and that allow the microfiltration to be controlled and verified to achieve the objectives set for the process.

[0009] The use involves the filtration of liquid solutions (using hydrophilic filters) and the filtration of gases (using hydrophobic filters).A wide variety of containers and filters exists, which allows a wide variety of applications to be covered.

[0010] The container with its accessories and instruments is the subject of a project whose success depends on the attitude of the designer and, ultimately, on the assembler. In particular, the choice of accessories and assembly mode are key aspects of a project's success.

[0011] In particular, in order to fulfil the functions required by the process, the vessel with the filter cartridge should be provided with a series of accessories selected during the design phase, which allow its correct use.

[0012] For example, at the entry point of a container, you might want to connect:

[0013] -Stop valve located on the inlet curve;

[0014] - a temperature sensor inside the filter;

[0015] - Upstream drain valve or inlet side drain valve to allow emptying, steam discharge during sterilization, and water introduction to verify the integrity of the hydrophobic filter.

[0016] For example, on a closed bell jar of a container, you might want to attach:

[0017] -pressure sensor;

[0018] - Instruments suitable for verifying the integrity of hydrophobic filters;

[0019] - valves for relieving any air transported in the liquid;

[0020] - a stop valve connected towards the collection of condensate if steam must come out of the top of the bell during sterilization;

[0021] For example, at the outlet of a container, you might want to connect:

[0022] -Stop valve located on the outlet curve;

[0023] - a temperature sensor for reaching the interior of the filter;

[0024] - Optional device for aseptic sampling of the filtrate immediately at the outlet of the filter and before the stop valve.

[0025] All of these accessories are available on the market and often connect components that are not suitable for applications requiring aseptic processing in pharmaceutical processing or high-purity microelectronics processing.

[0026] These accessories may introduce the following into the process:

[0027] - unused portion;

[0028] - progressive closures, which are difficult to clean using automated "Cleaning in Place" washing techniques;

[0029] - valve actuators in direct contact with the fluid to be purified;

[0030] - the need for space around the container, increasing its dead volume, where very expensive products are usually stored;

[0031] - Undesired contamination due to the introduction of measuring probes;

[0032] - Contamination due to sample collection.

[0033] Therefore, in the fields of pharmaceutical applications, biotechnology and applications requiring filtration purification technologies suitable and validated for obtaining sterile, non-pyrogenic fluids of high purity, there is a strong need to completely empty the filtration vessel at the end of the process, especially in the presence of high-cost products.

[0034] In highly technical industries, filtration vessels are not available that have characteristics suitable for use in such applications and that are provided with specifically researched and manufactured components that allow process control thereof.

[0035] Generally, known containers are equipped with components designed and manufactured for other applications and re-machined with specific connections, seals, electropolishing, controlled and certified roughness, etc. to comply with US medical and pharmaceutical standards such as FDA, USP, 3A, BPE 2000 as well as EU, Japanese and Russian standards.

[0036] For industries working in the above-mentioned fields, it is a key characteristic to maintain the same effluent fluid quality downstream of the filter as achieved in the case of filtration to the point of use, which is usually represented by the container where it will be collected to be released to the market.

[0037] Therefore, there is a strong need to provide a filter holder container, and in particular a base for such a container, which is:

[0038] - compact;

[0039] - Allows complete emptying of the container when required without residue stagnation areas;

[0040] -Easy to produce;

[0041] - and allows aseptic processing in the pharmaceutical field or in highly purified processes. Summary of the Invention

[0042] The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and to allow the above-mentioned needs to be met by proposing a microfilter holder container base capable of ensuring the achievement of the above-mentioned needs.

[0043] These and other objects are achieved by a microfiltration container as claimed in claim 1 .

[0044] Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0045] By means of the general embodiments and variants described above and further below, the following advantages can be achieved.

[0046] The proposed base and the proposed microfiltration container allow the use of a process control device integrated with the base and the container, forming a compact and sterile assembly, wherein the geometry making it sterile is largely made integral with the base, ie in one piece.

[0047] The proposed solution allows having a container for filters in the structure of which (primarily the filter holder base and secondly the closing bell) are designed to achieve their intended application and all available accessories for making the system function are integrated into its body.

[0048] In the proposed solution, the user will find a usable filtering system provided with accessories.

[0049] This solution offers several advantages:

[0050] - Smaller space than previously known solutions;

[0051] - Performance quality without stagnation points;

[0052] - Use of specific components without unused portions and progressive closures;

[0053] -Dedicated access ports for pressure and temperature probes;

[0054] -Specific access port for sample collection probe;

[0055] - All control valves integrated into the base body;

[0056] - followed by all discharge and ventilation valves on the bell housing and connected instruments;

[0057] - Clean and decontaminate containers and filters;

[0058] -Sterilize containers and filters with in-situ sensors.

[0059] In particular, the base of the container offers the possibility of receiving all commercially available types of filter cartridges and has a geometry that avoids product residues upstream of the filter cartridge at the end of filtration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of preferred embodiments thereof provided below, given by way of non-limiting indication with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0061] - FIG1 shows a cross-sectional side view according to a plane passing through the microfiltration container in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction according to the prior art;

[0062] - Figure 2 shows an axonometric view of a microfiltration container according to the present invention, wherein the fluid inlet pipe section is placed on the left and the fluid outlet pipe section is placed on the right, the shut-off valve of the downstream discharge pipe section (thus downstream of the microfilter) is placed at the front, and the shut-off valve of the upstream pipe (thus upstream of the microfilter) is placed at the rear;

[0063] - Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 an axonometric view of a microfiltration container in FIG, wherein the fluid inlet pipe section is placed on the right, and the fluid outlet pipe section is placed on the left, the stop valve of the downstream discharge pipe section (i.e., downstream of the microfilter) is placed at the rear, and the stop valve of the upstream pipe (i.e., upstream of the microfilter) is placed at the front;

[0064] - Figure 4 Shown Figure 2 an axonometric view of the microfiltration container in FIG, taken vertically and horizontally along an axis passing through the fluid inlet conduit section and the fluid outlet conduit section;

[0065] - Figure 5 Shown Figure 2 An axonometric view of the microfiltration vessel in FIG, taken vertically and horizontally along the axis of the shutoff valve passing through the downstream discharge conduit on the left and the upstream discharge conduit on the right;

[0066] - Figure 6 Shown Figure 2 The microfiltration container in Figure 5 an axonometric view of the microfiltration vessel in the illustrated position with the parts separated, with the bell jar and integral cap lifted to show the microfilter;

[0067] - Figure 7 Shown Figure 2A front view of a microfiltration container in FIG, the microfiltration container having separated parts, namely a bell housing, a microfilter, a screw fastening fixture, a stop valve for a downstream discharge conduit on the left and an upstream discharge conduit on the right, a base, a movable valve element, a second outlet stop valve, and a container support leg;

[0068] - Figure 8 Shown Figure 2 The microfiltration container in Figure 7 The microfiltration container has separate parts, namely the bell jar, the microfilter, the screw fastening clamp, the outlet pipe on the left and the inlet pipe on the right formed in the base, the movable valve element on the left for closing the outlet pipe and on the right for closing the inlet pipe, the second outlet stop valve on the left and the first inlet stop valve on the right, and the container support legs;

[0069] - Figure 9 Shown Figure 2 an axonometric view of a microfiltration vessel in FIG, which has separate parts of an upper bell-shaped housing part provided with a cap, namely, in a clockwise direction, a pressure gauge at the front, a vent line shut-off valve, a filter integration assessment or integrity test line shut-off valve, and a level sensor at the top;

[0070] - Figure 10 Shown Figure 2 Axonometric view of a microfiltration container in FIG, which has separate parts, starting from the bottom, the lower part of the microfiltration container has four supporting legs, a first inlet stop valve on the left and a second outlet stop valve on the right, a movable valve element (on the right for closing the outlet line and on the left for closing the inlet line), a base, stop valves for the downstream discharge line on the left and the upstream discharge line on the right, a screw fastening clamp, the lower part with a coding connection 7 or a bayonet coupling of the microfilter;

[0071] - Figure 11 shows an axonometric top view of a one-piece base to which is connected an inlet pipe flange on the left and an outlet pipe flange on the right, and a flange of a downstream discharge pipe downwardly in the front;

[0072] - Figure 12 Shown Figure 11 An axonometric bottom view of the base is shown;

[0073] - Figure 13 Shown Figure 12 An axonometric bottom view of the base is shown with the connecting flanges for the inlet and outlet pipes removed;

[0074] - Figure 14 Shown Figure 13Axonometric bottom view of the base in;

[0075] - Figure 15 Shown Figure 13 An axonometric bottom view of the base shown rotated 90 degrees about its vertical axis in normal use;

[0076] - Figure 16 Shown Figure 12 , taken according to a plane passing through the vertical axis in normal use (here shown almost horizontal) and the axes of the shut-off valves of the upstream and downstream discharge conduits;

[0077] - Figure 17 Shown Figure 12 , taken according to a plane passing through the vertical axis in normal use (here shown as nearly vertical) and the axes of the stop valves of the inlet and outlet pipes;

[0078] - Figure 18 Shown Figure 17 Axonometric view of the base in FIG, which is installed in the microfiltration container and in which the shut-off valves of the inlet pipe on the left and the outlet pipe on the right are in the closed position and the filter cartridge microfilter is connected in its microfilter seat to the coding seat 7 via a bayonet coupling;

[0079] - Figure 19 Shown Figure 16 Axonometric view of the base in FIG, which is installed in the microfiltration container and in which the shut-off valves of the downstream discharge line on the left and the upstream discharge line on the right are in the closed position and the filter cartridge microfilter is connected in its microfilter seat to the coding seat 7 by means of a bayonet coupling;

[0080] - Figure 20 shows an axonometric view of a microfiltration vessel, showing in detail the bell-shaped jar provided with a cap, associated with a pressure gauge placed in the front of the figure, a ventilation line shut-off valve located on the left, a level measurement sensor located at the top, and an integrity test line shut-off valve located on the right;

[0081] - Figure 21 An axonometric view showing a transverse section relative to the vertical axis of the microfiltration vessel at the axis of the ventilation duct shutoff valve on the right, the integrity test duct shutoff valve on the left, and the pressure gauge duct at the top, with a portion of the liquid level sensor cut off in the middle;

[0082] - Figure 22 An axonometric view of the cap is shown alone;

[0083] - Figure 23An axonometric view of a microfiltration vessel is shown, wherein the base is made according to the invention and the bell is provided with its cap and a single upper connection piece according to the prior art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to the described embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles described may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered limited to the embodiments described and shown, but should be accorded the widest scope of protection consistent with the features described and claimed.

[0085] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly used by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In the event of a conflict, the present specification (including the definitions provided) will control. In addition, the examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0086] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments described herein, reference will be made to some specific embodiments, and specific language will be used to describe them. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0087] According to a general embodiment, the base of the microfiltration container 2 is indicated by reference numeral 1 in the figures.

[0088] The microfiltration container 2 or vessel is adapted to accommodate at least one microfilter 3 (e.g., a cylindrical filter element having a peripheral inlet and a central outlet) and to form a fluid passage that forces fluid flowing from a fluid inlet 4 to a fluid outlet 5 to flow through the microfilter 3.

[0089] The base 1 is a monolithic body, i.e. a body made in a single piece, for example a metal monolithic piece machined by chip removal.

[0090] A microfilter seat 6 is formed in the base 1 for accommodating and fixing the at least one microfilter 3;

[0091] At least one first valve half-chamber 7 8 is formed in the base 1 , which is adapted to accommodate a first movable valve element adapted to move from a valve-opening position to a valve-closing position.

[0092] The at least one first valve half-chamber 7 comprises at least one first abutment surface 9 for sealing against the movable valve element 8 .

[0093] According to one embodiment, the first valve half-chamber 7 is a fluid inlet valve half-chamber.

[0094] According to various embodiments, the first valve half-chamber is a fluid outlet valve half-chamber.

[0095] According to one embodiment, at least one second valve half-chamber 10 is formed in said base 1 , which second valve half-chamber is adapted to accommodate a second movable valve element 11 adapted to be moved from a valve-opening position to a valve-closing position.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the at least one second valve half-chamber 10 comprises at least one second abutment surface 12 for sealing the second movable valve element 11 .

[0097] According to one embodiment, the second valve half-chamber 10 is a fluid outlet valve half-chamber.

[0098] According to various embodiments, the second valve half-chamber is a fluid inlet valve half-chamber.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the first valve half-chamber or the second valve half-chamber 7 or 10 is suitable for being connected to and sealed by the first valve mating half-chamber or the second valve mating half-chamber 13 or 14 so as to form a first chamber or a second chamber 15 or 16 of the first valve or the second valve accommodating the first movable valve element or the second movable valve element 8 or 11.

[0100] According to one embodiment, at least one fluid inlet or fluid outlet conduit section 17 or 18 is formed in the base 1 .

[0101] According to one embodiment, the at least one fluid inlet or fluid outlet line section 17 or 18 opens into the first valve half-chamber 7 .

[0102] According to one embodiment, at least one fluid inlet duct section or fluid outlet duct section 18 or 17 is formed in the base 1 .

[0103] According to one embodiment, the at least one fluid inlet or fluid outlet line section 18 or 17 opens into the second valve half-chamber 10 .

[0104] According to one embodiment, at least one third valve half-chamber 19 is formed in said base 1 , which is adapted to accommodate a third movable valve element 20 adapted to be moved from a valve-opening position to a valve-closing position.

[0105] According to one embodiment, said at least one third valve half-chamber 19 comprises at least one third abutment surface 21 for sealing said third movable valve element 20 .

[0106] According to one embodiment, at least one third upstream discharge valve half-chamber 19 is formed in said base 1 , adapted to accommodate a third movable valve element 20 adapted to move from a valve-opening position to a valve-closing position.

[0107] According to one embodiment, said at least one third upstream valve half-chamber 19 comprises at least one third abutment surface 21 for sealing said third movable valve element 20 .

[0108] According to one embodiment, at least one fourth valve half-chamber 22 is formed in said base 1 , which is adapted to accommodate a fourth movable valve element 23 adapted to be moved from a valve-opening position to a valve-closing position.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the at least one fourth valve half-chamber 22 comprises at least one fourth abutment surface 24 for sealing the fourth movable valve element 20 .

[0110] According to one embodiment, at least one fourth downstream valve half-chamber 22 is formed in said base 1 , which is adapted to accommodate a fourth movable valve element 23 adapted to be moved from a valve-opening position to a valve-closing position.

[0111] According to one embodiment, said at least one fourth downstream valve half-chamber 22 comprises at least one fourth abutment surface 24 for sealing said fourth movable valve element 20 .

[0112] According to one embodiment, at least one upstream or downstream discharge duct section 25 or 26 is formed in said base 1 .

[0113] According to one embodiment, the at least one upstream or downstream discharge line section 25 or 26 opens into the third valve half-chamber ( 19 ).

[0114] According to one embodiment, at least one upstream or downstream discharge duct section 26 or 25 is formed in said base 1 .

[0115] According to one embodiment, the at least one upstream or downstream discharge line section 26 or 25 opens into the fourth valve half-chamber ( 22 ).

[0116] According to one embodiment, the base 1 includes a base connection flange 27 for connecting with a container bell jar 28 to form the main body of the microfiltration container 2 .

[0117] According to one embodiment, the container bell 28 comprises a movable connection counter-flange 29 adapted to face the base connection flange 27 .

[0118] According to one embodiment, the flange and companion flange 27, 29 are surrounded by at least one screw-fastening clamp 30 which receives the flange and companion flange 27, 29 in its inverted "V" shaped groove 31, such as an I-bolt scaffold clamp / swivel coupler type V-strap adjustable clamp.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the base 1 comprises a peripheral sleeve 32 , an upper container bottom surface 33 , and an outer lower surface 34 .

[0120] According to one embodiment, the outer sleeve 32 comprises four leveling portions 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , which are opposed to each other in pairs.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the fluid inlet duct section 17 and the fluid outlet duct section 18 are arranged in two opposing leveling portions 35 , 37 .

[0122] According to one embodiment, the third valve half-chamber 19 and the fourth valve half-chamber 22 open into two opposite leveling sections 36 , 38 .

[0123] According to one embodiment, the first valve half-chamber 7 and the second valve half-chamber 10 open into the upper container bottom surface 33 .

[0124] According to one embodiment, the microfilter seat 6 opens into said upper container bottom surface 33 and is fluidically connected to said second valve half-chamber 10 .

[0125] According to one embodiment, the upstream discharge duct section 25 and the downstream discharge duct section 26 open into the outer lower surface 34 .

[0126] According to one embodiment, the upstream discharge conduit section 25 is fluidically connected to the third valve half-chamber 19 .

[0127] According to one embodiment, the downstream discharge conduit section 26 is fluidically connected to the fourth valve half-chamber 22 .

[0128] According to one embodiment, the base 1 comprises a peripheral channel 39 which fluidically connects the third valve half-chamber 19 and the first valve half-chamber 7 .

[0129] According to one embodiment, each valve half-chamber 7 , 10 , 19 , 22 is sealed by a valve counterpart half-chamber 13 , 14 , 40 , 41 connected by means of a threaded flange.

[0130] According to one embodiment, when the base 1 is in the use position, each valve half-chamber 7 , 10 , 19 , 22 and / or each valve counter-chamber 13 , 14 , 40 , 41 has a sterile geometry, i.e. capable of discharging all minimal amounts of fluid, or in other words, without fluid stagnation zones.

[0131] According to one embodiment, when the base 1 is in the use position, each conduit section 17 , 18 , 25 , 26 has a sterile geometry, ie capable of discharging all minimal amounts of fluid, or in other words, without fluid stagnation zones.

[0132] The present invention further relates to a microfiltration container 2 , comprising the base 1 according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the microfiltration container 2 includes a container bell jar 28 .

[0134] According to one embodiment, the container bell 28 comprises a cylindrical bell body 42 in which a first, lower end portion thereof is sealably connected to the base 1 and in which an upper, opposite end portion thereof is closed by a bell cap 43.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the cylindrical bell housing body 42 and the bell housing cap 43 are firmly connected to form a single piece.

[0136] According to one embodiment, said bell-shaped cap 43 is a unitary body, ie made in a single piece.

[0137] According to one embodiment, at least one fifth valve half-chamber 44 is formed in said bell-shaped cap 43 , which is adapted to accommodate a fifth movable valve element 45 adapted to move from a valve-opening position to a valve-closing position.

[0138] According to one embodiment, said at least one fifth valve half-chamber 43 comprises at least one fifth abutment surface 46 for sealing said fifth movable valve element 45 .

[0139] According to one embodiment, at least one sixth valve half-chamber 47 is formed in said bell-shaped cap 43 , adapted to accommodate a sixth movable valve element 48 adapted to move from a valve-opening position to a valve-closing position.

[0140] According to one embodiment, said at least one sixth valve half-chamber 47 comprises at least one sixth abutment surface 49 for sealing said sixth movable valve element 48 .

[0141] According to one embodiment, at least one liquid level sensor chamber 50 is formed in the bell-shaped cap 43, which includes a liquid level sensor connection flange 51 for connecting to a clamp connection adapter unit 52, i.e., a zero dead leg connection flange or ZDL connection, and is suitable for connecting a liquid level sensor 53.

[0142] According to one embodiment, at least one pressure gauge connecting pipe 54 is formed in the bell-shaped cap 43 for connecting a pressure gauge 55 .

[0143] According to one embodiment, at least one integrity test tubing section 56 is formed in the bell shaped cap 43 .

[0144] According to one embodiment, the at least one integrity test pipe section 56 is fluidly connected to the sixth valve half-chamber 47 .

[0145] According to one embodiment, when said base 1 is connected to said container bell 28 , it delimits an internal microfilter chamber 57 housing at least one microfilter 3 which separates said fluid inlet conduit section 17 from said fluid outlet conduit section 18 .

[0146] According to one embodiment, the base 1 comprises at least one blind seat 58 for the connection of a container support leg 59 .

[0147] In order to meet specific, occasional needs, a person skilled in the art may make several changes and adaptations to the embodiments described above and replace elements with other functionally equivalent elements, without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0148] According to one embodiment, when the base is not mounted, a microfilter seat 6 is formed in the base 1 , facing outwards from the opposite side in such a way that it faces outwards with respect to the first abutment surface 9 .

[0149] According to one embodiment, a microfilter seat 6 is formed in the base 1 , when the base is not mounted, which microfilter seat faces outwards in a different direction with respect to the way in which the first abutment surface 9 faces outwards.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the first movable valve element 8 is accommodated in the first valve half-chamber 7 so as to be movable along a first movable valve element translation path so as to abut on the first abutment surface 9 .

[0151] According to one embodiment, the microfilter seat 6 is distinct from the first abutment surface 9 .

[0152] Reference numerals

[0153] 1 base

[0154] 2 Microfiltration Containers

[0155] 3 Microfilter

[0156] 4 fluid inlet

[0157] 5 Fluid outlet

[0158] 6 Microfilter seat, such as coding seat 7- snap connection

[0159] 7 First inlet valve half chamber or first valve half chamber

[0160] 8 First movable valve element

[0161] 9 First adjacent surface

[0162] 10 Second outlet valve half chamber or second valve half chamber

[0163] 11 Second movable valve element

[0164] 12 Second adjacent surface

[0165] 13 First valve paired half chamber

[0166] 14 Second valve paired half chamber

[0167] 15 First chamber of the first valve

[0168] 16 Second chamber of the second valve

[0169] 17 Fluid inlet pipe section

[0170] 18 fluid outlet pipe section

[0171] 19 Third upstream discharge valve half chamber or third valve half chamber

[0172] 20 Third movable valve element

[0173] 21 Third adjacent surface

[0174] 22 Fourth downstream discharge valve half chamber or fourth valve half chamber

[0175] 23 Fourth movable valve element

[0176] 24 Fourth adjacent surface

[0177] 25 Upstream discharge pipe section

[0178] 26 Downstream discharge pipe section

[0179] 27 Base connection flange

[0180] 28 container bell jar

[0181] 29 Movable bell housing connected to the mating flange

[0182] 30 screw fastening fixture

[0183] 31 Inverted "V" groove

[0184] 32 outer sleeve

[0185] 33 Upper container bottom surface

[0186] 34 External lower surface

[0187] 35 sleeve leveling part

[0188] 36 Sleeve leveling part

[0189] 37 Sleeve leveling part

[0190] 38 sleeve leveling part

[0191] 39 Peripheral Channel

[0192] 40 Third valve paired half chamber

[0193] 41 Fourth valve paired half chamber

[0194] 42 cylindrical bell housing body

[0195] 43 Bell Jar Hat

[0196] 44 Fifth ventilation valve half chamber or fifth valve half chamber

[0197] 45 Fifth movable valve element

[0198] 46 Fifth adjacent surface

[0199] 47 Sixth integrity test valve half chamber or sixth valve half chamber

[0200] 48 Sixth movable valve element

[0201] 49 Sixth adjacent surface

[0202] 50 Liquid level sensor chamber

[0203] 51 Liquid level sensor connection flange

[0204] 52 Clamp connection adapter unit

[0205] 53 Liquid level sensor

[0206] 54 Pressure gauge connecting pipe

[0207] 55 pressure gauge

[0208] 56 Integrity testing of pipeline sections

[0209] 57 Internal microfilter chamber

[0210] 58 Blind Seat

[0211] 59 container support legs

[0212] 60 Inlet valve

[0213] 61 outlet valve

[0214] 62 Upstream discharge valve

[0215] 63 Downstream discharge valve

[0216] 64 Ventilation valve

[0217] 65 Integrity Test Valve

[0218] 66 Inlet connection

[0219] 67 outlet connection

[0220] 68 Upstream discharge connection

[0221] 69 Downstream discharge connection

[0222] 70 Integrity testing of pipe connections

[0223] 71 ventilation duct sections

Claims

1. A microfiltration container (2), comprising a base (1) for the microfiltration container (2), the container being adapted to accommodate at least one microfilter (3) and forming a fluid passage, the fluid passage forcing a fluid flowing from a fluid inlet (4) to a fluid outlet (5) to flow through the microfilter (3); in, The base (1) is a monolithic body, i.e. made as a single piece; Wherein, a microfilter seat (6) is formed in the base (1) for accommodating and fixing the at least one microfilter (3); wherein at least one first valve half-chamber (7) is formed in the base (1), the at least one first valve half-chamber being adapted to accommodate a first movable valve element (8) adapted to move from a valve-opening position to a valve-closing position; wherein the at least one first valve half-chamber (7) comprises at least one first abutment surface (9) for sealing the movable valve element (8); Wherein, the microfiltration container (2) comprises a container bell jar (28); The container bell jar (28) comprises a cylindrical bell jar body (42), in which a first lower end of the bell jar body can be sealingly connected to the base (1), and in which an upper opposite end of the bell jar body is closed by a bell jar cap (43).

2. The microfiltration container (2) according to claim 1, in, The first valve half chamber (7) is a fluid inlet valve half chamber; or among them, - said first valve half-chamber is a fluid outlet valve half-chamber.

3. The microfiltration container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, At least one second valve half-chamber (10) is formed in the base (1), the at least one second valve half-chamber being adapted to accommodate a second movable valve element (11) adapted to move from a valve-opening position to a valve-closing position; Therein, the at least one second valve half-chamber (10) comprises at least one second abutment surface (12) for sealing the second movable valve element (11).

4. Microfiltration container (1) according to the preceding claim, in, The second valve half chamber (10) is a fluid outlet valve half chamber; or among them, - The second valve half-chamber is a fluid inlet valve half-chamber.

5. The microfiltration container (1) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, The first valve half chamber or the second valve half chamber (7 or 10) is suitable for being connected to and sealed by the first valve matching half chamber or the second valve matching half chamber (13 or 14) so ​​as to form a first chamber or a second chamber (15 or 16) of the first valve or the second valve accommodating the first movable valve element or the second movable valve element (8 or 11).

6. The microfiltration container (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, in, forming at least one fluid inlet conduit section or fluid outlet conduit section (17 or 18) in the base (1); and wherein the at least one fluid inlet conduit section or fluid outlet conduit section (17 or 18) opens into the first valve half-chamber (7); or wherein at least one fluid outlet conduit section or a fluid inlet conduit section (18 or 17) is formed in the base (1); And wherein the at least one fluid outlet line section or fluid inlet line section (18 or 17) opens into the second valve half chamber (10).

7. Microfiltration container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, at least one third valve half-chamber (19) is formed in the base (1), the at least one third valve half-chamber being adapted to accommodate a third movable valve element (20) adapted to move from a valve-opening position to a valve-closing position; wherein the at least one third valve half-chamber (19) comprises at least one third abutment surface (21) for sealing the third movable valve element (20); or among them, wherein at least one third upstream discharge valve half chamber (19) is formed in the base (1), the at least one third upstream discharge valve half chamber being adapted to accommodate a third movable valve element (20) adapted to move from a valve opening position to a valve closing position; Therein, the at least one third upstream valve half-chamber (19) comprises at least one third abutment surface (21) for sealing the third movable valve element (20).

8. Microfiltration container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, at least one fourth valve half-chamber (22) is formed in the base (1), the at least one fourth valve half-chamber being adapted to accommodate a fourth movable valve element (23) adapted to move from a valve-opening position to a valve-closing position; wherein the at least one fourth valve half chamber (22) comprises at least one fourth abutment surface (24) for sealing the fourth movable valve element (20); or among them, wherein at least one fourth downstream valve half-chamber (22) is formed in the base (1), the at least one fourth downstream valve half-chamber being adapted to accommodate a fourth movable valve element (23) adapted to move from a valve-opening position to a valve-closing position; Therein, the at least one fourth downstream valve half-chamber (22) comprises at least one fourth abutment surface (24) for sealing the fourth movable valve element (20).

9. The microfiltration container (1) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, in, forming at least one upstream discharge conduit section or downstream discharge conduit section (25 or 26) in the base (1); and wherein the at least one upstream discharge conduit section or downstream discharge conduit section (25 or 26) opens into the third valve half-chamber (19); or wherein at least one downstream discharge conduit section or upstream discharge conduit section (26 or 25) is formed in the base (1); And wherein the at least one downstream discharge line section or upstream discharge line section (26 or 25) opens into the fourth valve half chamber (22).

10. Microfiltration container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The base (1) comprises a base connection flange (27) for connecting with a container bell jar (28) to form the main body of the microfiltration container (2); and wherein the container bell (28) comprises a movable connecting counterpart flange (29) adapted to face the base connecting flange (27); And wherein the flange and mating flange (27, 29) are surrounded by at least one screw-fastening clamp (30) which receives the flange and mating flange (27, 29) in its inverted "V" shaped groove (31), such as an I-bolt scaffolding clamp / swivel coupling type V-band adjustable clamp.

11. Microfiltration container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The base (1) comprises an outer sleeve (32), an upper container bottom surface (33), and an outer lower surface (34); And among them, The outer sleeve (32) comprises four leveling parts (35, 36, 37, 38) which are opposite to each other. and wherein the fluid inlet conduit section (17) and the fluid outlet conduit section (18) are arranged in two opposing leveling portions (35, 37); and wherein the third valve half chamber (19) and the fourth valve half chamber (22) open into two opposite leveling portions (36, 38); and wherein the first valve half chamber (7) and the second valve half chamber (10) open to the bottom surface (33) of the upper container; And wherein the microfilter seat (6) opens to the upper container bottom surface (33) and is fluidly connected to the second valve half chamber (10).

12. The microfiltration container (1) according to any one of claims 9 and 11, in, The upstream discharge conduit section (25) and the downstream discharge conduit section (26) open to the outer lower surface (34); and wherein the upstream discharge conduit section (25) is fluidly connected to the third valve half-chamber (19); And wherein the downstream discharge conduit section (26) is fluidly connected to the fourth valve half-chamber (22).

13. The microfiltration container (1) according to claim 7, in, The base (1) comprises a peripheral channel (39) which fluidically connects the third valve half-chamber (19) and the first valve half-chamber (7).

14. Microfiltration container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, Each valve half-chamber (7, 10, 19, 22) is sealed by a valve counterpart half-chamber (13, 14, 40, 41) connected by means of a threaded flange.

15. Microfiltration container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, When the base (1) is in the use position, each valve half chamber (7, 10, 19, 22) and / or each valve counter half chamber (13, 14, 40, 41) has a sterile geometry, i.e. is able to discharge all minimal amounts of fluid, i.e. has no fluid stagnation zones.

16. The microfiltration container (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 13, in, When the base (1) is in the use position, each conduit section (17, 18, 25, 26) has a sterile geometry, ie is capable of discharging all minimal amounts of fluid, ie has no fluid stagnation zones.

17. The microfiltration container (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The cylindrical bell housing body (42) and bell housing cap (43) are securely connected to form a single piece.

18. The microfiltration container (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The bell-shaped cap (43) is a unitary body, i.e., is made as a single piece; wherein at least one fifth valve half chamber (44) is formed in the bell-shaped cap (43), the at least one fifth valve half chamber being adapted to accommodate a fifth movable valve element (45) adapted to move from a valve-opening position to a valve-closing position; Therein, the at least one fifth valve half-chamber (43) comprises at least one fifth abutment surface (46) for sealing the fifth movable valve element (45).

19. The microfiltration container (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The bell-shaped cap (43) is a unitary body, i.e., is made as a single piece; wherein at least one sixth valve half chamber (47) is formed in the bell-shaped cap (43), the at least one sixth valve half chamber being adapted to accommodate a sixth movable valve element (48) adapted to move from a valve-opening position to a valve-closing position; Therein, the at least one sixth valve half-chamber (47) comprises at least one sixth abutment surface (49) for sealing the sixth movable valve element (48).

20. The microfiltration container (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The bell-shaped cap (43) is a unitary body, i.e., is made as a single piece; Wherein, at least one liquid level sensor chamber (50) is formed in the bell-shaped cap (43), and the at least one liquid level sensor chamber includes a liquid level sensor connection flange (51) for connecting to a clamp connection adapter unit (52), i.e., a zero dead zone connection flange or ZDL connection, and is suitable for connecting a liquid level sensor (53).

21. The microfiltration container (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The bell-shaped cap (43) is a unitary body, i.e., is made as a single piece; At least one pressure gauge connecting pipe (54) is formed in the bell-shaped cover cap (43) for connecting a pressure gauge (55).

22. The microfiltration container (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The bell-shaped cap (43) is a unitary body, i.e., is made as a single piece; wherein at least one integrity test pipe section (56) is formed in the bell-shaped cap (43); Wherein, the at least one integrity test pipe section (56) is fluidly connected to the sixth valve half chamber (47).

23. The microfiltration container (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, When the base (1) is connected to the container bell (28), it defines an internal microfilter chamber (57) which houses at least one microfilter (3) which separates the fluid inlet conduit section (17) from the fluid outlet conduit section (18).

24. The microfiltration container (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The base (1) comprises at least one blind seat (58) for connecting a container support leg (59).

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