Valve setup for SMB chromatography

Abstract

An assembly is provided, the assembly comprising: a valve cassette block (20) having a plurality of valves (25) controllable via a control surface (24) of the valve cassette block (20); a valve control block (10) having an actuation surface (11) configured to control each of the plurality of valves when the actuation surface (11) is in an actuated position in contact with the control surface (24) of the valve cassette block (20); and at least one pivot door (30), wherein an open state of the pivot door (30) enables the valve cassette block (20) to be pivoted with the control surface (24) of the valve cassette block (20) disposed against the actuation surface (11) of the valve control block. at least one pivoting door (30) hinged to the valve control block (20) such that the pivoting door (30) can be positioned in an operative position while the closed position of the pivoting door (30) is configured to hold the valve cassette block (20) in the operative position with an inner surface of the pivoting door (30) abutting a rear surface (26) of the valve cassette block (20) opposite the control surface (24) of the valve cassette block (20); and at least one flexible pressurization tube (45) disposed on an inner surface of the pivoting door (30) such that when pressure in the pressurization tube (45) increases, the pressurization tube presses against the rear surface (26) of the valve cassette block (20).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] background The production of biopharmaceuticals or pharmaceuticals involves the purification of solutions from which the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is extracted. These solutions, also known as feeds, can be produced chemically synthetically or bioorganically. The feeds contain multiple components that need to be separated from each other, for example one or more target components and impurities. Chromatography is the technique used to carry out this separation process.

[0002] One embodiment of chromatography for separating two components is the simulated moving bed (SMB). The SMB system comprises multiple columns connected to a valve switching system. The valve system controls the fluid delivery to the multiple columns with corresponding column inlets and outlets.

[0003] The BioSMB system by Sartorius for SMB chromatography includes a valve setup with two separate blocks: a valve control block that regulates the valve switching, and a valve cassette block that contains multiple valves. The valve cassette block is the only component in contact with the fluid and can be conveniently replaced after every use to avoid tedious cleaning processes.

[0004] The connection between the valve control block and the valve cassette block needs to be airtight. Conventionally, the valve cassette block is pressed onto the valve control block using multiple screws and washers that are tightened in a predefined sequence, for example first to 2 Nm and then to 3.5 Nm. This procedure requires a calibrated torque wrench and a long installation time (approximately 45 minutes).

[0005] Another conventional method for securing the valve cassette block to the valve control block is the use of hydraulically pressurized doors that apply the necessary sealing pressure. Hydraulically pressurized doors are very heavy, bulky and have numerous components. Therefore, this procedure involves a very complicated design and high costs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect, there is provided a valve setup or assembly, the assembly comprising: a valve cassette block comprising a plurality of valves controllable via a control surface of the valve cassette block; a valve control block having an actuation surface, the valve control block being configured to (selectively) control (e.g. open and close) each of a plurality of valves when the actuation surface is in inoperative position and in intimate contact with a control surface of the valve cassette block; at least one pivot door hinged to the valve control block such that an open position of the pivot door allows the valve cassette block to be placed in an operating position with a control surface of the valve cassette block disposed against an operating surface of the valve control block, while a closed position of the pivot door is configured to hold the valve cassette block in the operating position with an inner surface of the pivot door abutting a rear surface of the valve cassette block opposite the control surface of the valve cassette block; and at least one flexible pressure tube disposed on an inner surface of the pivoting door such that when pressure in the pressure tube increases, the pressure tube presses against a rear surface of the valve cassette block.

[0007] In one example, the valve cassette block may comprise a number of fluid connectors arranged along its periphery (in a view perpendicular to the control face and the rear face), the fluid connectors being adapted to connect external fluid conduits. The number of fluid connectors may include both inlet and outlet connectors. The at least one pivot door may be hinged to the valve control block via a hinge arranged in a part of the periphery of the valve control block that does not overlap any of the number of fluid connectors (or even the linear extensions of the fluid connectors along their connection direction to which external conduits may be connected) in a view / projection perpendicular to the working face when the assembly is in an operational state, i.e. when the valve cassette block is in an operational position. This allows for a very convenient mounting of the valve cassette block, since the fluid connectors or any conduits connected thereto collide with the hinge when mounting the valve cassette block to the valve control block. Specifically, in this configuration, when the at least one pivot door is open, the periphery of the valve control block may be kept free in the part where the fluid connectors of the valve cassette block are arranged.

[0008] In some examples, the at least one pivot door may comprise at least a pair of pivot doors symmetrically hinged to the valve control block, for example, with either rotational symmetry and / or mirror symmetry.

[0009] In some examples, the peripheries of the valve control block (and optionally also the valve cassette block) may each define a rectangular shape. The at least one pivot door may comprise two pivot doors (i.e., a pair of pivot doors) hinged to the valve control block via respective hinges located on either side of the periphery adjacent diagonally opposite corners, such as the left and right edges, respectively, one adjacent a lower corner of the respective edge side and the other adjacent an upper corner of the respective edge side. Each of these hinges extends along the respective edge (e.g., the left or right edge) for no more than half of the respective edge (i.e., not beyond the center of the respective edge). The pivot axis may be parallel to the edges (i.e., parallel to the respective sides of the rectangle). Each of the pivot doors of the pair of pivot doors may cover approximately half of the rear face of the valve cassette block when installed, for example the top and bottom half, respectively. The vertical pivot axis allows the pivot door to pivot horizontally, which allows it to remain in any position (without needing extra fastening) while the valve cassette block is installed, making it much easier to handle. Furthermore, this arrangement leaves both the bottom and top edges of the assembly, as well as half of each of the left and right edges, free for the valve cassette block fluid connectors.

[0010] In some examples, the peripheries of the valve control block (and optionally also the valve cassette block) may each define a rectangular shape. The at least one pivot door may comprise two pivot doors (i.e., a pair of pivot doors) hinged to the valve control block via respective hinges located at two (e.g., adjacent) corners of the periphery, such as the lower left and lower right corners or the upper left and upper right corners. The pivot axis may be at 45° to the edge between the two adjacent corners (of the rectangle), which may be the bottom edge in one example. Such a corner pivot door leaves most of the circumference of the assembly free for the valve cassette block's fluid connectors. A counterbalance (gas) spring may support the pivoting motion against gravity, since the corner pivot door may cause the door not to pivot horizontally, but also to pivot at least partially with a vertical component.

[0011] In some examples, at least one pivot door may be lockable in a closed position by a latch mechanism located at an end of the pivot door opposite the end where the pivot door is hinged to the valve control block that supports the pivot door to reliably remain closed when pressure is applied via a pressurized tube, while being easy to handle.

[0012] In some examples, the inner surface of the at least one pivot door may include at least one tube-receiving channel formed as a recess for receiving the at least one pressurized tube. In some examples, the at least one pressurized tube may include a plurality of parallel (e.g., equidistantly spaced) pressurized tubes. In some examples, the at least one pressurized tube may be adapted to be pressurized with air. However, any gas or liquid may be possible.

[0013] According to another aspect, there is provided a method for assembling a valve setup or assembly, the method comprising: providing a valve cassette block comprising a plurality of valves controllable via a control surface of the valve cassette block; providing a valve control block having an actuation surface configured to (selectively) control (e.g. open and close) each of a plurality of valves when the actuation surface is in an actuated position in contact with a control surface of a valve cassette block, the valve control block comprising at least one second positioning component and a pair of hinge arms; providing at least one pivot door hinged to the valve control block such that an open position of the pivot door allows the valve cassette block to be placed in an operating position with a control face of the valve cassette block disposed against an operating face of the valve control block, while a closed position of the pivot door is configured to retain the valve cassette block in the operating position with an inner face of the pivot door abutting a rear face of the valve cassette block opposite the control face of the valve cassette block; providing at least one flexible pressure tube, the pressure tube being arranged on an inner surface of the pivoting door such that when pressure in the pressure tube increases, the pressure tube presses against a rear surface of the valve cassette block; - mounting the valve cassette block in an operating position with at least one pivot door open; - locking at least one pivot door closed with the valve cassette block in the operating position; - pressurizing at least one pressurizing tube to press against a rear face of the valve cassette block, thereby pressing the valve cassette block with its control face against an actuation face of the valve control block.

[0014] In one example, pressurizing the at least one pressurized tube may include filling the at least one pressurized tube with compressed air, although any gas or liquid may be possible. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] Detailed description of exemplary embodiments will now be given with reference to the exemplary drawings. Other features will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. However, even if the embodiments are described separately, it should be understood that single features of different embodiments may be combined into further embodiments.

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2a

Figure 2b

Figure 3a

Figure 3b

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Figure 4b

Figure 5a

Figure 5b

Figure 6a

Figure 6b

Figure 7a

Figure 7b

Figure 8a

Figure 8b

Figure 9a

Figure 9b

[0017] Detailed Description In the following, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that various modifications can be made to the embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, elements of one embodiment can be combined and used in other embodiments to form new embodiments.

[0018] The following description relates to assemblies constituting a valve setup for use in SMB chromatographic separation processes, which may be carried out, exemplarily, to purify recombinant protein products, or monoclonal antibodies, or viral vectors, or DNA products.

[0019] The assembly comprises two blocks, a valve cassette block containing a number of valves and a valve control block which controls the number of valves. Figure 1 shows an example of a valve cassette block 20, and Figures 2a and 2b show an example of a valve control block 10.

[0020] Valve cassette block 20 includes a plurality of valves 25 (not shown in FIG. 1), e.g., membrane or diaphragm valves. Valves 25 are accessible for control (e.g., switching between open and closed states, or between connected and disconnected states) via a control surface 24 of valve cassette block 20. In the example of FIG. 1, control surface 24 is on a remote side opposite a rear surface 26 of valve cassette block 20. The plurality of valves may be arranged in a regular array along control surface 24. Each valve may, for example, be addressed (controlled) separately from the other valves.

[0021] Valve control block 10 includes a number of control elements 15, e.g., a number of solenoids, arranged on an actuation surface 11 of valve control block 10 to control valves 25 in valve cassette block 20, with each solenoid configured to control (open / close) a respective valve 25 when a control surface 24 of valve cassette block 20 is in intimate contact with actuation surface 11 of valve control block 10. Thus, valve cassette block 20 may include n valves 25, and valve control block 10 may include n control elements 15, e.g., including solenoids.

[0022] The control surface 24 may be a substantially flat surface of the valve cassette block 20. Similarly, the actuation surface 11 may be a substantially flat surface of the valve control block 10. The arrangement of the valves 25 on the valve cassette block 20 may match the arrangement of the control elements on the valve control block 10, such that when the valve cassette block 20 is placed next to the valve control block 10, each valve 25 can correspond to its respective control element 15. Illustratively, the multiple valves 25 (and similarly the control elements 15) may be arranged according to a grid including rows and columns. However, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that alternative arrangements are also possible.

[0023] Valve cassette block 20 includes multiple channels that can be connected or disconnected by actuating valves 25. Figure 3a shows a cutaway portion of valve cassette block 20 with membrane valves 25 and two channels oriented perpendicular to each other. The structure of valve cassette block 20 can include multiple portions as shown in Figure 3a to provide a manifold of valves 25 and interconnectable conduits that form flow paths.

[0024] 3b illustrates the function of an exemplary membrane valve 25 in the valve cassette block 20 controlled by a corresponding solenoid in the valve control block 10. In particular, the valve control block 10 may further comprise a number of air chambers, each associated with a corresponding solenoid, such that the solenoid functions as a pneumatic actuator for the corresponding valve 25. The air chambers may include one or more cavities, such as one cavity on a surface of the valve control block 10 configured to receive the membrane valve. The air chambers may further comprise cavities that function as inlets and outlets for the air passages.

[0025] For example, the solenoid may be a normally open (NO) solenoid, meaning that the membrane valve is normally closed (left side of FIG. 3b). When the solenoid switches from open to closed, the air pressure on the membrane valve is removed, which causes the membrane valve to open and connect the conduits in the valve cassette block 20 (right side of FIG. 3b).

[0026] In other words, the valve control block 10 and the valve cassette block 20 work together to switch the flow paths and therefore the connections to the inlets and outlets for the feeds and solvents. The valve control block 10 and the valve cassette block 20 are formed separately and then mechanically joined to form the working position. One advantage of this configuration is that the valve control block 10 can be a permanent (i.e., reusable) component of the chromatography system and the valve cassette block 20 can be a disposable component.

[0027] The dashed line on the left side of Fig. 3b indicates the interface between the valve control block 10 and the valve cassette block 20. To ensure correct functioning of the valve setup, the valve control block 10 and the valve cassette block 20 must be in gas-tight contact with each other. For this purpose, a combination of a pivoting door and a pressurized tube array as described below can be used.

[0028] 1, the valve cassette block 20 may further include at least one first positioning component 22. Illustratively, the valve cassette block 20 may include two first positioning components 22. Further details regarding the at least one first positioning component 22 will be described below.

[0029] The valve cassette block 20 may include inlet and outlet connectors 28 for connecting to external components, such as a chromatography column or a membrane device or a collection vessel. In particular, the valve cassette block may include two sets of inlets and outlets. One set of inlets and outlets may provide fluidic connections for buffer and feed flows, elution and / or wash fractions. Another set of inlet and outlet connectors may connect the valve cassette block with the inlet and outlet ports of the chromatography column / membrane adsorber. Illustratively, the valve cassette block 20 may include an integrally formed central body (e.g., made of plastic, such as acrylic) in which the valves 25 are disposed, and one or more components connected to the central body, such as at least one first positioning component 22 and an inlet / outlet connector 28 (fluidic connector).

[0030] In particular, the inlet and outlet connectors 28 may be arranged transversely to the valve, for example on the sides of the central body. For example, the central body may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, in which the pair of opposing faces with the greatest extension comprises the rear face 26 and the control face on which the valve 25 is arranged. The inlet / outlet connectors 28 may be located on one or more of the remaining (four) sides.

[0031] Illustratively, if the valves 25 are arranged in a grid having x columns and y rows, there may be one inlet / outlet connector 28 for each row and one inlet / outlet connector 28 for each column. Thus, each side extending parallel to the rows may have x inlet / outlet connectors 28 corresponding to the column positions, while a side extending parallel to the columns may have a total of y inlet / outlet connectors 28 corresponding to the row positions.

[0032] The valve cassette block 20 may further comprise a pair of handles arranged on two opposite sides, e.g. along a second direction B relative to the central body, the second direction B being perpendicular to the first direction A. The handles allow comfortable and safe handling during transport and installation of the valve cassette block 20 in the valve control block 10.

[0033] 2a and 2b, the valve control block 10 may include at least one second positioning component 12 and a pair of hinge arms 16. The at least one second positioning component 12 may be configured to cooperate with the at least one first positioning component 22 to couple the valve cassette block 20 to the valve control block 10. In particular, the interaction between the at least one second positioning component 12 and the at least one first positioning component 22 allows for accurate positioning of the valve cassette block 20 relative to the valve control block 10. In particular, the valve 25 is positioned corresponding to the control element 15.

[0034] Thus, the valve cassette block 20 can be positioned adjacent to the valve control block 10 by engaging the at least one first positioning component 22 with the at least one second positioning component 12. In particular, a substantially flat surface, i.e., actuation surface 24, of the valve cassette block 20 on which the valve 25 is disposed is in contact with a substantially flat surface of the valve control block 10 on which the control element 15 is disposed.

[0035] The at least one first positioning component 22 and the at least one second positioning component 12 may have complementary features that enable the valve cassette block 20 to be steadily but removably connected to the valve control block 10. Illustratively, the features (e.g., shape) and / or position of the at least one first positioning component 22 and the at least one second positioning component 12 may be such that gravity holds the valve cassette block 20 in a certain position relative to the valve control block 10. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one first positioning component 22 and the at least one second positioning component 12 may couple to one another to form a stable connection.

[0036] As mentioned above, the valve control block 10 may further include a pair of hinge arms 16, i.e., two hinge arms. The hinge arms 16 may be integrally formed with or attached to the valve control block 10. Each hinge arm 16 is configured to provide a means for movably connecting a respective pivoting door to the valve control block 10.

[0037] In fact, the assembly may further comprise a pair (i.e. two) pivoting doors 30, each hinged to the valve control block 10 at a respective hinge, i.e. via a hinge arm 16. Figures 4a and 4b show examples of pivoting doors 30. The pivoting door 30 in Figure 4a may be configured to be connected to the hinge arm 16 in Figure 2a (first example), and the pivoting door 30 in Figure 4b may be configured to be connected to the hinge arm 16 in Figure 2b (second example).

[0038] The hinge connections allow each of the pivoting doors 30 to open and close with a respective pivoting motion about a respective hinge axis. Any pivoting mechanism may be employed for the hinges. Each hinge may have a respective hinge pin 17 connecting a block knuckle 18 formed on a respective hinge arm of the valve control block with a respective door knuckle 38 of the pivoting door 30 and defining a hinge axis.

[0039] Each pivot door 30 is hinged to the valve control block 20 such that an open state of the pivot door 30 allows the valve cassette block 20 to be placed in an operating position with its control surface 24 disposed on the operating surface 11 of the valve control block. When the pivot door 30 is in its closed position, the pivot door 30 holds the valve cassette block 20 in an operating position with an inner surface of the pivot door 30 abutting the rear surface 26 of the valve cassette block 20. Thus, as shown in more detail with reference to Figures 8a and 8b, the valve cassette block 20 may be sandwiched between the pivot door 30 and the valve control block 10. When the pivot doors are closed, they (together) may cover at least 50%, or at least 75%, or even at least 90% of the rear surface 26 of the valve cassette block. In some instances, they may even cover substantially the entirety of the rear surface 26. Thus, pressure may be applied across most or all of the valve cassette block 20.

[0040] Each pivoting door 30 can include at least one tube-receiving channel 35 configured to receive at least a portion of a pressurized tube array 40, examples of which are shown in Figures 5a and 5b. The pivoting door 30 of Figure 4a can be configured to receive the pressurized tube array 40 of Figure 5a (first example), while the pivoting door 30 of Figure 4b can be configured to receive the pressurized tube array 40 of Figure 5b (second example).

[0041] The pressure tube array 40 may include a plurality of pressure tubes 45 and at least one supply conduit 43 adapted to connect the pressure tubes 45 to each other and to supply fluid pressure to the pressure tubes 45. Specifically, the supply conduit 43 may be configured to be connected to an external pressurized air supply and to feed pressurized air to the pressure tubes 45. The pressure tubes 45 are tubes that expand when pressurized air flows into them. In particular, the pressure tubes 45 may be configured to expand in the thickness direction or change their shape from a contracted shape to an expanded shape when pressurized.

[0042] Illustratively, as shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the pressure tube 45 may include a braided tube wall, for example made of metal or plastic, and a filler, for example made of an open-cell foam, such as polyurethane foam 44. The air pressure for inflating the pressure tube 45 may be about 4 bar to about 10 bar, preferably about 5 bar to about 8 bar, and more preferably about 6 bar. For example, the number of pressure tubes 45 may be equal to the number of rows in the grid of valves 25.

[0043] The tube-receiving channel 35 may comprise at least one recess in the pivoting door 30, and in particular, the recess or recesses may be located on an inner surface of the pivoting door 30. In other words, there may be one or more indentations on the inner surface. The pressurized tube array 40 is at least partially inserted into the tube-receiving channel 35 of each pivoting door 30. In particular, the tube-receiving channel 35 has at least a plurality of pressurized tubes 45 inserted therein.

[0044] Taking the level of the inner main surface as a reference, the tube receiving channels 35 can have a depth equivalent to 1.5 times the thickness of the deflated pressurized tubes 45, so that when the deflated pressurized tubes 45 are inserted into the tube receiving channels 35, they are substantially flush with the inner main surface of the pivoting door 30. Conversely, when the pressurized tubes 45 are expanded by pressurized air, they protrude above the level of the inner main surface.

[0045] The combination of each pivot door 30 and its respective embedded pressurized tube array 40 may be referred to as a "pressurized door." Figures 6a and 6b show examples of pressurized doors.

[0046] 7a and 7b show an example of a partially assembled valve setup comprising the elements previously described, with the pressurized door in an open position. Illustratively, the valve cassette block 20 may be joined to the valve control block 10 in this open configuration.

[0047] As can be seen, the valve cassette block 20 in this example may include a plurality of fluid connectors 28 (specifically shown in FIG. 1) disposed along its periphery (in a view perpendicular to the control face 24 and rear face 26), the fluid connectors 28 being adapted to connect external fluid conduits. The plurality of fluid connectors 28 includes both inlet and outlet connectors. In both the examples of FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b, two (symmetrically positioned) pivoting doors 30 are used.

[0048] In the example of Fig. 7a, the height of each pivot door 30 is approximately half the height of the valve cassette block 20. In particular, the two pivot doors 30 according to this first example are horizontally adjacent to each other in the closed state. In the example of Fig. 7b, the width of each pivot door 30 is approximately half the width of the valve cassette block 20. In particular, the two pivot doors 30 according to this second example are vertically adjacent to each other in the closed state.

[0049] In both examples, the pivot doors 30 are hinged to the valve control block 10 via respective hinges arranged in a part of the periphery of the valve control block 10 that does not overlap any of the multiple fluid connectors (or even the linear extensions of the fluid connectors along their connection directions to which external conduits may be connected) in a view / projection perpendicular to the working plane when the assembly is in working condition, i.e. when the valve cassette block is in working position. This allows a very convenient mounting of the valve cassette block, since the fluid connectors or any conduits connected thereto do not collide with the hinges when mounting the valve cassette block to the valve control block. Specifically, in this configuration, when at least one pivot door is open, the periphery of the valve control block can be kept free in the part where the fluid connectors of the valve cassette block are located.

[0050] In both examples, the pivoting door is hinged symmetrically to the valve control block, for example, either rotationally symmetric (first example) and / or mirror symmetric (second example).

[0051] More specifically, the periphery of the valve control block (and valve cassette block) in at least these two examples defines a rectangular shape. In the first example, the hinges are located on either side of the periphery next to the diagonally opposite corners, i.e., on the left side next to the lower corner and on the right side next to the upper corner. Each of these hinges extends along the respective edge less than halfway up the respective edge (i.e., not beyond the center of the respective edge). The pivot axis is parallel to the edges and is therefore vertical in the assembly. Each of the pivot doors 30 covers approximately half of the rear face of the valve cassette block when closed, i.e., the top and bottom halves, respectively. With a vertical pivot axis, the pivot doors pivot horizontally, which allows them to remain in any position (without needing extra fastening) during installation of the valve cassette block, making handling much easier. Furthermore, this arrangement leaves both the bottom and top edges, and half of each of the left and right edges, of the assembly free for the fluid connectors of the valve cassette block.

[0052] In a second example, the hinges are located at the two lower corners of the periphery, or optionally at the two upper corners of the periphery. The pivot axis is oriented at about 45° to the lower edge and therefore about 45° to the horizontal. Such a corner pivot door leaves most of the circumference of the assembly free for the fluid connectors of the valve cassette block. A corner pivot door causes the door not to pivot horizontally, but also at least partially by a vertical component, so that a counterbalance (gas) spring can support the pivoting movement against gravity.

[0053] To press the valve cassette block 20 against the valve control block 10, the pivot door 30 is brought into a closed state so that the pressurized tube(s) contact the rear face of the valve cassette block 20. FIGS. 8a and 8b show an example of a nearly fully assembled valve setup with the pivot door 30 closed. The valve cassette block 20 is sandwiched between the valve control block 10 on one side and a pair of pressurized doors on the other side. Illustratively, the entire control face of the valve cassette block 20 with the valves 25 may be adjacent to the actuation face of the valve control block 10 with the control elements 25. Similarly, the entire rear face of the valve cassette block 20 may be adjacent to the inner face of the pivot door 30 and the pressurized tube 45 inserted therein.

[0054] When the valve cassette block 20 is surrounded by the pivot doors 30, each pivot door 30 may be locked by a latch mechanism, so that the door remains stable and closed during the pressurization of the tube. In particular, this can prevent the pivot doors 30 from moving apart, especially when the pressurization tube 45 is inflated. Thus, the valve control block 10 may include a plurality of block-side bolt holes 13, and each pivot door 30 may include at least one door-side bolt hole 33, which may be configured to be fastened to a respective one of the plurality of block-side bolt holes 13. Exemplarily, each door-side bolt hole 33 may be fastened to the block-side bolt hole 13 by a latch bolt 14. Thus, the valve setup in a fully assembled state may also include a plurality of latch bolts 14.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will be able to readily identify alternative designs for fastening and locking the valve cassette to the control block that include different block hole arrangements. Just as another example, it is possible to have a door fastening design similar to the bolting arrangement described below in "Alternative Example" (related to Figures 2b, 4b and 5b). This design may use four block side bolt holes and four pivot door side bolt holes similar to 13.

[0056] In another example (e.g., as in Figures 2b, 4b, and 8b), the valve control block 10 can include a plurality of block side bolt holes 13 (e.g., four) and each pivot door 30 can include a plurality of door side bolt holes 33 (e.g., four). Each block side bolt hole 13 can include a hole in a surface of the valve control block 10 (having the control element 15 thereon) and each door side bolt hole 33 can include a hole in the pivot door 30. The assembly may further include a plurality of latch bolts 14 (e.g., four).

[0057] Two of the block bolt holes 13 may be located at the upper corners of the valve control block 10, the third block bolt hole 13 may be located at a midpoint between the first two block bolt holes 13, and the fourth block bolt hole 13 may be located vertically in line with the third block bolt hole 13 but at the bottom of the valve control block 10. In other words, the fourth block bolt hole 13 may be located at the midpoint of two hinge arms 16. In other examples (not shown), the number and location of the block bolt holes 13 may be different.

[0058] As can be seen, in these examples, the latch mechanism is at least partially located on the end of the pivot door opposite the end where the pivot door is hinged to the valve control block. This latch mechanism supports the pivot door to ensure that it remains closed when pressure is applied via the pressurized tube, while being easy to handle. Additionally, the exterior surface of the pivot door 30 includes a number of ridges to provide rigidity and stability to the pivot door 30.

[0059] When the valve setup is assembled, in that the valve cassette block 20 is between the valve control block 10 and the pivot door 30, a pair of pressurized tube arrays 40 are filled with pressurized air to pressurize the valve cassette block 20 against the valve control block 10. Specifically, the pressurized tubes 45 of the pressurized tube array 40 can be expanded to pressurize the valve cassette block 20 against the valve control block 10. Figures 9a and 9b show an exemplary cross-section of the assembled valve setup. As explained, the pressurized tubes 45 are configured to expand when pressurized air flows in, exerting pressure on the valve cassette block 20, thereby bringing the valve cassette block 20 into the required airtight contact with the valve control block 10. It is therefore possible to properly press the valve cassette block 20 against the valve control block 10 to provide a functioning valve setup. During operation, all the tubes 45 can be compressed almost flat, as shown diagrammatically in Figures 9a and 9b. This increases the pressurized contact surface, thus ensuring uniformity of the applied force. In one possible implementation, when the door is closed, it compresses / squeezes the tube such that the initial round shape of the tube changes to an oval shape. Alternatively, a custom tube can be used that is already in the desired oval shape as shown.

[0060] The above-described pneumatic method for installing the valve cassette block 20 (i.e., operatively connecting the valve cassette block 20 to the valve control block 10) is simple, intuitive, and requires minimal effort. In particular, assembly time is significantly reduced compared to conventional methods in which screws are directly used to fasten the valve cassette block 20 to the valve control block 10. Furthermore, the cost and complexity of the method are significantly reduced compared to hydraulic mounting systems.

Claims

1. a valve cassette block (20) comprising a plurality of valves (25) controllable via a control surface (24) of said valve cassette block (20); a valve control block (10) having an actuation surface (11), the valve control block (10) being configured to control each of the plurality of valves when the actuation surface (11) is in intimate contact with the control surface (24) of the valve cassette block (20) in an actuated position; at least one pivot door (30) hinged to the valve control block (20) such that an open state of the pivot door (30) allows the valve cassette block (20) to be placed in the operating position with a control surface (24) of the valve cassette block (20) disposed against the operating surface (11) of the valve control block, while a closed position of the pivot door (30) holds the valve cassette block (20) in the operating position with an inner surface of the pivot door (30) abutting a rear surface (26) of the valve cassette block (20) opposite the control surface (24) of the valve cassette block (20); and at least one flexible pressurization tube (45) disposed on the inner surface of the pivoting door (30) such that when pressure in the pressurization tube (45) increases, the pressurization tube presses against the rear surface (26) of the valve cassette block (20).

2. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve cassette block (20) comprises a plurality of fluid connectors (28) arranged along a periphery of the valve cassette block (20), and the at least one pivoting door (30) is hinged to the valve control block (10) via a hinge arranged on a portion of the periphery of the valve control block (10) that does not overlap any of the plurality of fluid connections (28) within a field of view (projection) perpendicular to the operating surface (11).

3. 3. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one pivot door (30) comprises at least a pair of pivot doors (30) symmetrically hinged to said valve control block (10).

4. 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the periphery of the valve control block (10) defines a rectangular shape, and the at least one pivoting door (30) comprises two pivoting doors (30) hinged to the valve control block (10) via respective hinges located on either side of the periphery adjacent diagonally opposite corners, each hinge extending along no more than half of the respective edge, and the pivot axis being parallel to these edges.

5. 5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the periphery of the valve control block (10) defines a rectangular shape, and the at least one pivoting door (30) comprises two pivoting doors (30) hinged to the valve control block (10) via respective hinges located at two adjacent corners of the periphery, the pivot axis being at 45° to the edge between the two adjacent corners.

6. 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one pivoting door (30) is lockable in the closed position by a latch mechanism located at an end of the pivoting door (30) opposite an end at which the pivoting door (30) is hinged to the valve control block (10).

7. 7. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the at least one pivoting door (10) comprises at least one tube receiving channel (35) formed as a recess for receiving the at least one pressurized tube (45).

8. 8. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one pressurizing tube (45) comprises a plurality of parallel pressurizing tubes (45).

9. 9. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one pressurisation tube (45) is adapted to be pressurised with air.

10. 10. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one pressurised tube (45) comprises a filling made of open-cell foam, preferably polyurethane foam.

11. 1. A method for assembling a valve setup, the method comprising: providing a valve cassette block (20) comprising a plurality of valves (25) controllable via a control surface (24) of said valve cassette block (20); providing a valve control block (10) having an actuation surface (11), the valve control block (10) configured to (selectively) control (e.g., open and close) each of the plurality of valves when the actuation surface (11) is in in-actuated position against the control surface (24) of the valve cassette block (20), the valve control block comprising at least one second positioning component and a pair of hinge arms; providing at least one pivot door (30) hinged to the valve control block (20) such that an open position of the pivot door (30) allows the valve cassette block (20) to be placed in the operating position with a control surface (24) of the valve cassette block (20) disposed against the operating surface (11) of the valve control block, while a closed position of the pivot door (30) is configured to retain the valve cassette block (20) in the operating position with an inner surface of the pivot door (30) abutting a rear surface (26) of the valve cassette block (20) opposite the control surface (24) of the valve cassette block (20); providing at least one flexible pressurized tube (45) disposed on the inner surface of the pivoting door (30) such that when pressure in the pressurized tube (45) increases, the pressurized tube presses against the rear surface (26) of the valve cassette block (20); mounting the valve cassette block in the operating position with the at least one pivot door (30) open; locking the at least one pivot door (30) in the closed position with the valve cassette block in the operative position; pressurizing the at least one pressurizing tube (45) such that the at least one pressurizing tube (45) presses against the rear face (26) of the valve cassette block (20), thereby causing a control face (24) of the valve cassette block (20) to press the valve cassette block against the actuation face (11) of the valve control block (10).

12. The method of claim 11, wherein pressurizing the at least one pressurized tube (45) comprises filling the at least one pressurized tube (45) with compressed air.

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