A sterile docking device for fermenters and culture medium containers

Abstract

This invention provides a sterile docking device for fermenters and culture medium containers. Through valve switching control, it perfectly adapts to the entire process of "sterilization inside the fermenter – steam discharge through the exhaust port – medium transport through the inlet and outlet," achieving seamless connection between each stage. A dedicated exhaust port, in conjunction with a waste gas treatment unit, ensures the directional discharge and effective treatment of sterilizing steam, preventing impurities in the steam from impacting the environment. A sealing module prevents external bacterial intrusion, improving sterility and ensuring no leakage during medium flow. A quick-connect clamp assembly allows for rapid connection of the connecting seat and the elastic sealing seat, reducing assembly time and improving efficiency. The waste gas treatment unit effectively removes harmful substances from the waste gas, and an emission monitoring device ensures that waste gas emissions meet standards, reducing environmental pollution and threats to operator health.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biological culture equipment technology, and more specifically, to a sterile docking device for a fermenter and a culture medium container. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of bioculture, the transfer of media between fermenters and culture medium containers is a core step in ensuring the activity of the culture system. The process typically involves first sterilizing the interior of the fermenter, and then transferring the media to the culture medium containers via a specific connection device. During this process, the aseptic nature of the connection system, the stability of the media transfer, and the appropriateness of the sterilization steam emission directly determine the reliability of the culture results.

[0003] Currently, traditional methods have significant drawbacks in this process. During the sterilization stage of the fermenter, the steam emission path is chaotic, lacking a dedicated exhaust channel. Sterilization steam is often discharged directly through temporary hoses or open interfaces, and trace amounts of residual media carried in the steam can contaminate the operating environment. Furthermore, sterility is not adequately guaranteed; after sterilization, the fermenter is easily recontaminated due to insufficient sterility of the connecting devices.

[0004] While existing technologies utilize control valves, they fail to provide a comprehensive solution covering the entire process of fermenter sterilization, directional steam emission, and media delivery. These control valves are mostly single-path switching functions, lacking dedicated sterilization steam emission channels designed for fermentation scenarios and failing to achieve aseptic connection with culture medium containers after sterilization. They also lack the ability to differentiate between sterilization steam and the transported culture medium. Crucially, existing technologies lack an integrated design that balances directional steam emission, aseptic sealing, and efficient media delivery, leading to frequent replacement of connection components and poor operational coordination in practical applications. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention aims to solve the problems of poor sterility, chaotic sterilization steam emission, lack of integrated design, and inability to adapt to the entire "sterilization-emission-transportation" process in the process of transporting culture medium from fermenters to culture medium containers.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a sterile docking device for a fermenter and a culture medium container, comprising a control valve, wherein the inlet and outlet of the control valve are respectively sealed and connected to the output pipe of the fermenter and the input pipe of the culture medium container through a sterile connection mechanism, the exhaust port of the control valve is connected to a waste gas treatment unit, the sterile connection mechanism comprises a quick-connect clamp assembly and a sealing module, the quick-connect clamp assembly can quickly connect the output pipe and the input pipe to the inlet and the outlet respectively, and the sealing module can ensure dynamic sealing during media transportation.

[0007] Furthermore, a sealing module is provided at both the inlet and outlet of the control valve. The sealing module includes a connecting seat, an elastic sealing seat, and a miniature pressure sensor. The miniature pressure sensor is disposed on the elastic sealing seat. Both the connecting seat and the elastic sealing seat have through holes for medium flow. The connecting seat and the elastic sealing seat are disposed opposite to each other. The through hole of the connecting seat can communicate with the through hole of the elastic sealing seat. The through hole of the connecting seat can communicate with the openings of the output pipe and the input pipe. The through hole of the elastic sealing seat can communicate with the inlet and the outlet.

[0008] Furthermore, a quick-release clamp assembly is provided at both the inlet and outlet of the control valve. The quick-release clamp assembly includes two semi-circular retaining rings and a spiral locking mechanism. One end of the two retaining rings is hinged to each other, and the spiral locking mechanism is located at the other end of the retaining rings. The spiral locking mechanism can lock the two retaining rings. A sealing groove is provided on the inner side of the retaining rings, and the connecting seat and the elastic sealing seat are both located in the sealing groove.

[0009] Furthermore, the spiral locking mechanism includes a screw and a rotating handle. The rotating handle has threaded holes extending through its upper and lower end faces. The end of the retaining ring has a connecting lug. One end of the screw is hinged to the connecting lug of one of the retaining rings, and the other end of the screw is threadedly connected to the rotating handle. The rotating handle can abut against the connecting lug of the other retaining ring.

[0010] Furthermore, the exhaust gas treatment unit includes a filtration and purification device and an emission monitoring device connected in sequence.

[0011] Furthermore, the filtration and purification device includes an activated carbon adsorption layer, a HEPA high-efficiency filter layer, and a photocatalytic oxidation layer arranged sequentially.

[0012] Furthermore, the monitoring and emission device includes a gas sensor group, a PLC control unit, and an exhaust valve. The gas sensor group is located at the outlet of the filtration and purification device, and the PLC control unit receives data from the sensor group and controls the opening and closing of the exhaust valve.

[0013] Furthermore, the control valve is made of 316L stainless steel and its internal flow channels are electrolytically polished.

[0014] Furthermore, both the connecting seat and the elastic sealing seat are rotating bodies with a T-shaped cross-section.

[0015] Furthermore, a U-shaped fluororubber sealing ring is embedded in the sealing groove.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0017] This invention perfectly adapts to the entire process of "sterilization in the fermenter - steam discharge through the exhaust port - medium transportation through the inlet and outlet" by controlling the valve switching of the control valve, achieving seamless connection of each link; the dedicated exhaust port, together with the waste gas treatment unit, ensures that the sterilization steam is discharged in a directional manner and is effectively treated, avoiding the impact of impurities in the steam on the environment; the sealing module can prevent the invasion of external bacteria, improve sterility, and also ensure that there is no leakage during the flow of the medium; the quick-connect clamp assembly can quickly connect the connecting seat and the elastic sealing seat, reducing assembly time and improving efficiency; the waste gas treatment unit can effectively remove harmful substances in the waste gas, and the emission monitoring device ensures that the waste gas emission meets the standards, reducing environmental pollution and threats to the health of operators. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention from another angle;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of part A in the diagram.

[0022] Explanation of main component symbols

[0023] 100. Control valve; 101. Inlet; 102. Outlet; 103. Exhaust port;

[0024] 200. Aseptic connection mechanism; 210. Quick-release clamp assembly; 211. Snap ring; 212. Connecting ear; 213. Sealing groove; 214. Spiral locking mechanism; 215. Screw; 216. Rotating handle; 220. Sealing module; 221. Connecting seat; 222. Elastic sealing seat; 223. Elastic sealing ring;

[0025] 300. Waste gas treatment unit; 301. Filtration and purification device; 302. Exhaust valve;

[0026] 400, Output tube;

[0027] 500, Input tube. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this utility model provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed utility model, but merely represents selected embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0029] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0031] Example

[0032] like Figures 1-3As shown, this utility model discloses an aseptic docking device for a fermenter and a culture medium container, including a control valve 100. The control valve 100 has three ports: an inlet 101, an outlet 102, and an exhaust port 103. The inlet 101 and outlet 102 of the control valve 100 are respectively sealed to the output pipe 400 of the fermenter and the input pipe 500 of the culture medium container through an aseptic connection mechanism 200. The exhaust port 103 of the control valve 100 is connected to a waste gas treatment unit 300, which can treat trace media residues carried in the steam. The aseptic connection mechanism 200 includes a quick-connect clamp assembly 210 and a sealing module 220. The quick-connect clamp assembly 210 can quickly connect the output pipe 400 and the input pipe 500 to the inlet 101 and the outlet 102, respectively. The sealing module 220 can ensure dynamic sealing during media transportation. This invention involves steam sterilizing the fermenter before it supplies culture medium to the culture medium container. The sterilizing steam then sequentially passes through the fermenter's output pipe 400, the aseptic connection mechanism 200, the inlet 101 of the control valve 100, the internal flow channel of the control valve 100, and the exhaust port 103 of the control valve 100, finally entering the waste gas treatment unit 300 for treatment and emission to meet standards. It should be noted that during steam emission, the control valve 100 is first switched to a closed state for both the exhaust port 103 and the outlet 102, while the inlet 101 is open. This allows the sterilizing steam to fill the entire output pipe 400 and the flow channel of the control valve 100, sterilizing both the output pipe 400 and the control valve 100. After a period of time, the control valve... The control valve 100 is switched to the open state of the exhaust port 103 and remains open for a period of time until the sterilization steam in the fermenter, output pipe 400, and control valve 100 is completely discharged. During the steam discharge process, the sealing module 220 maintains a good seal to prevent steam leakage. After the sterilization steam is discharged, the control valve 100 is switched to the closed state of the exhaust port 103, with the inlet 101 and outlet 102 connected. Then, the conveying program is started, and the fermenter begins to convey the medium to the culture medium container. The medium passes sequentially through the fermenter's output pipe 400, the aseptic connection mechanism 200, the inlet 101 of the control valve 100, the flow channel inside the control valve 100, the outlet 102 of the control valve 100, and the input pipe 500 of the culture medium container, finally entering the cavity of the culture medium container. This utility model integrates directional discharge of sterilization steam, aseptic sealing connection, efficient medium conveying, and waste gas treatment.

[0033] The control valve 100 described above is equipped with a sealing module 220 at both its inlet 101 and outlet 102. The sealing module 220 includes a connecting seat 221, an elastic sealing seat 222, and a miniature pressure sensor. Both the connecting seat 221 and the elastic sealing seat 222 are T-shaped rotating bodies. Both the connecting seat 221 and the elastic sealing seat 222 have through holes for medium flow. The connecting seat 221 and the elastic sealing seat 222 are positioned opposite each other and are quickly connected and fixed by a quick-connect clamp assembly 210. The through hole of the connecting seat 221... The elastic sealing seat 222 has a through hole that communicates with the resilient sealing seat 222. One connecting seat 221 is sleeved with the output pipe 400, and the through hole of the connecting seat 221 communicates with the opening of the output pipe 400. The other connecting seat 221 is sleeved with the input pipe 500, and the through hole of the connecting seat 221 communicates with the opening of the input pipe 500. The end of the elastic sealing seat 222 is threaded. The two elastic sealing seats 222 are respectively threaded to the inlet 101 and the outlet 102 of the control valve 100. The through hole of one elastic sealing seat 222 communicates with the inlet 101, and the other elastic sealing seat 222 communicates with the outlet 102. The through hole can communicate with the outlet 102, thus forming a complete channel from the fermenter to the culture medium container for smooth medium transport; the elastic sealing seat 222 is fitted with an elastic sealing ring 223, and a miniature pressure sensor is installed on the elastic sealing seat 222 and abuts against the elastic sealing ring 223. The elastic sealing ring 223 can increase the sealing performance between the connecting seat 221 and the elastic sealing seat 222, and the miniature pressure sensor can detect whether the elastic sealing ring 223 is under pressure, and can also detect the sealing performance between the elastic sealing ring 223 and the connecting seat 221; This embodiment The output pipe 400 of the fermenter is connected to the connecting seat 221. The connecting seat 221 abuts against the elastic sealing ring 223 of the elastic sealing seat 222. The elastic sealing seat 222 is threadedly connected to the inlet 101 of the control valve 100. The outlet 102 of the control valve 100 is threadedly connected to another elastic sealing seat 222. The elastic sealing ring 223 of the elastic sealing seat 222 abuts against another connecting seat 221. The connecting seat 221 is connected to the input pipe 500 of the culture medium container. This ensures the sealing of the medium during the process of the fermenter delivering the medium to the culture medium container and prevents leakage.

[0034] The control valve 100 described above is equipped with a quick-release clamp assembly 210 at both the inlet 101 and the outlet 102. The quick-release clamp assembly 210 includes two semi-circular retaining rings 211 and a spiral locking mechanism 214. One end of the two retaining rings 211 is hinged to each other, and the spiral locking mechanism 214 is located at the other end of the retaining rings 211. A sealing groove 213 is provided on the inner side of the retaining rings 211. The connecting seat 221 and the elastic sealing seat 222 are both located in the sealing groove 213. During operation, the operator only needs to close the two retaining rings 211 and then lock them together through the spiral locking mechanism 214. At the same time, the connecting seat 221 and the elastic sealing seat 222 are also firmly fixed in the sealing groove 213. This embodiment has a simple structure and is easy to operate.

[0035] The aforementioned spiral locking mechanism 214 includes a screw 215 and a rotating handle 216. The rotating handle 216 has threaded holes penetrating its upper and lower end faces. The end of the retaining ring 211 is provided with a connecting lug 212. One end of the screw 215 is hinged to the connecting lug 212 of one of the retaining rings 211, and the other end of the screw 215 is threadedly connected to the rotating handle 216. During operation, the operator only needs to bend the screw 215 around the hinge point toward the connecting lug 212, and then rotate the rotating handle 216 until the lower end face of the rotating handle 216 abuts against the upper end face of the connecting lug 212 to fix the two retaining rings 211. This embodiment is simple and convenient to operate, and has a simple and practical structure.

[0036] The aforementioned waste gas treatment unit 300 includes a filtration and purification device 301 and a monitoring and emission device connected in sequence. In this embodiment, the filtration and purification device 301 can filter and purify impurities in the waste gas, and the monitoring and emission device can detect whether the waste gas after filtration and purification meets the standards.

[0037] The aforementioned filtration and purification device 301 includes an activated carbon adsorption layer, a HEPA high-efficiency filter layer, and a photocatalytic oxidation layer arranged sequentially. The activated carbon adsorption layer uses granular activated carbon to adsorb volatile organic compounds in the steam. The HEPA high-efficiency filter layer is used to remove particulate matter from the exhaust gas. The photocatalytic oxidation layer uses titanium dioxide catalyst, which can oxidize and decompose harmful chemical substances in the exhaust gas into harmless carbon dioxide and water under ultraviolet light irradiation.

[0038] The aforementioned emission monitoring device includes a gas sensor group, a PLC control unit, and an exhaust valve 302. The gas sensor group is installed at the outlet 102 of the filtration and purification device 301. The PLC control unit receives data from the sensor group and controls the opening and closing of the exhaust valve 302. The gas sensor group installed at the outlet 102 of the filtration and purification device 301 can detect indicators such as the concentration of particulate matter and harmful gases in the exhaust gas. During the sterilization of the fermenter, it can monitor various indicators after the exhaust steam is treated. The sensor group transmits data to the PLC control unit through a wireless transmission module. When the emission indicators are detected to exceed the standard, the PLC control unit issues an alarm and automatically closes the exhaust valve 302.

[0039] The aforementioned control valve 100 is made of 316L stainless steel, with its internal flow channels electrolytically polished. 306L stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance.

[0040] The aforementioned sealing groove 213 is embedded with a U-shaped fluororubber sealing ring, which can improve the sealing performance between the connecting seat 221 and the elastic connecting seat 221.

[0041] This invention only requires aligning the connecting seat 221 pre-installed on the input pipe 500 and output pipe 400 with the elastic sealing seat 222 pre-installed on the inlet 101 and outlet 102 of the control valve 100. Then, place both into the sealing groove 213 of the retaining ring 211. Next, close the corresponding two semi-circular retaining rings 211. Then, move the rotating handle 216 above the connecting ear 212 and rotate the handle 216 to make it abut against the connecting ear 212. This completes the assembly of the device. Afterward, simply controlling the control valve 100 will achieve functions such as steam discharge and media transport. It should be noted that the output pipe 400 and control valve 100 are sterilized in an autoclave before installation. The input pipe 500 is a component of the fermenter and is sterilized using steam from the fermenter.

[0042] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A sterile docking device for a fermenter and a culture medium container, characterized in that, The system includes a control valve, the inlet and outlet of which are respectively sealed to the output pipe of the fermenter and the input pipe of the culture medium container via an aseptic connection mechanism. The exhaust port of the control valve is connected to an exhaust gas treatment unit. The aseptic connection mechanism includes a quick-connect clamp assembly and a sealing module. The quick-connect clamp assembly can quickly connect the output pipe and the input pipe to the inlet and the outlet, respectively, and the sealing module can ensure dynamic sealing during media transportation.

2. The aseptic docking device for a fermenter and a culture medium container according to claim 1, characterized in that; The control valve is equipped with a sealing module at both its inlet and outlet. The sealing module includes a connecting seat, an elastic sealing seat, and a miniature pressure sensor. The miniature pressure sensor is mounted on the elastic sealing seat. Both the connecting seat and the elastic sealing seat have through holes for medium flow. The connecting seat and the elastic sealing seat are arranged opposite to each other. The through holes of the connecting seat and the elastic sealing seat are in communication. The through holes of the connecting seat are in communication with the outlet pipe and the inlet pipe. The through holes of the elastic sealing seat are in communication with the inlet and the outlet.

3. The aseptic docking device for a fermenter and a culture medium container according to claim 2, characterized in that; The control valve is provided with a quick-release clamp assembly at both its inlet and outlet. The quick-release clamp assembly includes two semi-circular retaining rings and a spiral locking mechanism. One end of the two retaining rings is hinged to each other, and the spiral locking mechanism is located at the other end of the retaining rings. The spiral locking mechanism can lock the two retaining rings. A sealing groove is provided on the inner side of the retaining rings, and the connecting seat and the elastic sealing seat are both located in the sealing groove.

4. The aseptic docking device for a fermenter and a culture medium container according to claim 3, characterized in that; The spiral locking mechanism includes a screw and a rotating handle. The rotating handle has threaded holes extending through its upper and lower end faces. The end of the retaining ring has a connecting lug. One end of the screw is hinged to the connecting lug of one of the retaining rings, and the other end of the screw is threadedly connected to the rotating handle. The rotating handle can abut against the connecting lug of the other retaining ring.

5. The aseptic docking device for a fermenter and a culture medium container according to claim 1, characterized in that; The waste gas treatment unit includes a filtration and purification device and an emission monitoring device connected in sequence.

6. The aseptic docking device for a fermenter and a culture medium container according to claim 5, characterized in that: The filtration and purification device includes an activated carbon adsorption layer, a HEPA high-efficiency filter layer, and a photocatalytic oxidation layer arranged in sequence.

7. The aseptic docking device for a fermenter and a culture medium container according to claim 5, characterized in that: The monitoring and emission device includes a gas sensor group, a PLC control unit, and an exhaust valve. The gas sensor group is located at the outlet of the filtration and purification device, and the PLC control unit receives data from the sensor group and controls the opening and closing of the exhaust valve.

8. The aseptic docking device for a fermenter and a culture medium container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control valve is made of 316L stainless steel and its internal flow channel has undergone electrolytic polishing treatment.

9. The aseptic docking device for a fermenter and a culture medium container according to claim 2, characterized in that; Both the connecting seat and the elastic sealing seat are rotating bodies with a T-shaped cross-section.

10. The aseptic docking device for a fermenter and a culture medium container according to claim 3, characterized in that; The sealing groove is fitted with a U-shaped fluororubber sealing ring.

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