Interchangeable Multi-Port Pinch Valve Assembly

Abstract

A pinch valve assembly is provided that includes a single-piece block having one or more internal channels (42) therein for distributing fluid, each of the one or more channels having an embedded sealable barrier, the single-piece block further including one or more outlets for connecting one or more fluid conduits to the channels.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pinch valve multiport assembly, and more particularly to a pinch valve multiport assembly having a fully replaceable and interchangeable "disposable" valve body. [Background technology]

[0002] Bioprocessing involves the use of living cells or components to produce products and compounds. Isolation of living cells or components within a given process is crucial, as contamination may render the product unsuitable for use. To reduce the risk of contamination in the bioprocessing industry, many components are "single-use." Within the industry, "single-use" technology primarily refers to polymeric components such as tubing and bags. These components are used to contain and transport cell culture media for only a single batch of product. After use, the component is removed from production use, and a replacement component is used for the next production batch.

[0003] The intent of the "single use" components is to protect the media from cross-contamination with alternate production batches, to eliminate the need for sterilization and cleaning / sanitization of process equipment, and to prevent bacterial contamination.

[0004] Piping is used to transport media from one process point to another throughout a bioprocess, for example, from one machine to another in a given processing plant. Piping often needs to be sealed, for example, to stop the flow of a given media through the tubing and prevent further transfer of the media from one point to another in the process. This piping is often single-use and fabricated from polymeric materials.

[0005] Single-use polymeric devices are not durable devices and are generally considered to be for use in only one production batch. They are not designed to provide a reusable assembly.

[0006] Hybrid options are available that can allow for more than one use. These often rely on a stainless steel valve configuration that is reusable due to the "pinching" of the molded polymer tubing.

[0007] Such hybrid stainless steel assemblies are more durable than fully single-use valve and tubing configurations. Hybrid assemblies allow for reuse of stainless steel pinch valves from batch to batch after new piping is used as product contact material. Furthermore, it is possible to create multi-port or "block" assemblies that minimize dead space within an assembly of multiple valves.

[0008] However, using multiple port assemblies within a single block assembly compromises the intended flexibility of single-use technology and may require partial or complete disassembly of the valve body base to remove the product-contacting silicone liner, replace it with an unused liner, reassemble, and reconnect the piping to the liner ports. In an industry evolving from traditional clean-in-place (CIP), steam-in-place (SIP), and automated cleaning and sterilization regimes between batches, this critical and variable operation can prove complex, time-consuming, and involves a high risk factor for human error.

[0009] A pinch valve assembly that could eliminate this bulky, heavy, time-consuming and risky batch change process would improve the state of the art. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention provides a pinch valve assembly comprising a single-piece block having one or more internal channels therein for distributing fluids, each of the one or more internal channels having an embedded sealable barrier, and the single-piece block further comprising one or more outlets for connecting one or more fluid conduits to the channels.

[0011] The single-piece block includes internal channels within the block itself, thus eliminating the need to provide additional piping for transporting fluids within the block. Additionally, the entire block can be removed from the production line and replaced with one simple operation. An outlet is provided so that an external fluid conduit can be placed in fluid communication with the internal channels, if desired, to transport fluids from the assembly.

[0012] The embedded sealable barrier provides a sealable contact surface suitable for contact with biological fluid materials. The liner may be applied directly within the channel to provide a coating around the interior surface of the channel. Alternatively, the liner may be in the form of a fluid conduit that is injection molded into the channel.

[0013] The pinch valve assembly may further include one or more openings for connecting one or more compressor elements to the internal channels, which is advantageous because it provides that a compressor element may be connected to the assembly via a configuration that allows the compressor element to provide compression to one or more of the internal channels.

[0014] The pinch valve assembly may be configured such that a compressor element connected to one of the one or more openings is movable toward and through the opening due to compression of an embedded sealable barrier in one of the internal channels to seal the internal channel. This is advantageous because applying a compressive force to the embedded sealable barrier in one of the internal channels serves to push one side of the liner into contact with the opposite side, thus sealing the internal channel and preventing fluid flow through the channel.

[0015] Furthermore, this provides for the use of a simple two-way, single compressor element valve assembly. This overcomes the need for complex multi-port, multiple compressor element assemblies. As a result, this overcomes the risk, complexity, and dead-leg hold-up volume issues associated with such assemblies. Furthermore, it overcomes issues related to the creation of bioburden and bacterial traps and the resulting contamination of biopharmaceutical batches.

[0016] The embedded sealable barrier can be a compressible surface on the interior of the assembly, with the compressor element configured to compress the compressible surface into the interior channel to seal the interior channel. This is advantageous because the compressible surface can act to apply a compressive force to the embedded sealable barrier to seal the interior channel and prevent fluid flow through the channel. In this way, the compression surface provides a sealing mechanism embedded within the block.

[0017] The embedded sealable barrier can be a compressible fluid conduit internal to the assembly, with the compressor element configured to press directly against a surface of the compressible fluid conduit to seal the internal channel, providing an alternative manner of applying a compressive force to the embedded sealable barrier to seal the internal channel and prevent fluid flow through the channel.

[0018] In use, the compressor element may be movable between an open position, in which a sealable barrier embedded in one of the one or more channels is decompressed to allow fluid flow within the channel, and a closed position, in which a sealable barrier embedded in one of the one or more channels is compressed to prevent fluid flow within the channel. This thus provides that fluid flow through one or more channels in the single-piece block may be controlled by opening and closing one or more compressor elements connected to the single-piece block.

[0019] The single-piece block may be rectangular parallelepiped-shaped, with multiple outlets for connecting one or more fluid conduits to the internal channels on the first, second, and third surfaces, and multiple openings for connecting one or more compressor elements to the internal channels on the fourth surface. This shape has the advantage that the block is easy to manufacture. Furthermore, the respective locations of the outlets for the fluid conduits and the openings for connecting the compressor elements ensure that the conduits and compressor elements do not interfere with each other when connected to the block. In addition, it provides ease of disconnection and extraction of the first block, and subsequent ease of connection and installation of a second, new block.

[0020] The single-piece block may comprise a disposable polymer block. In this manner, the entire block and internal channels may be removed and disposed of as one piece. This provides significant efficiencies in production lines compared to existing systems that require disassembly of the block to remove the fluid conduits from the internal chambers.

[0021] The embedded sealable barrier may be constructed from a silicone material, which provides a suitable material for injecting into the channels of the block to coat the interior surfaces of the channels.

[0022] The internal channel can be configured for sterile distribution of fluid. The internal channel can be sterilized via plasma coating. The channel is within a single-piece block and is effectively a tunnel or conduit within the block. The channel can be initially sealed so that it is not exposed to the atmosphere. Thus, the channel can be maintained in a sterile state until it is installed to distribute fluid therethrough.

[0023] The single-piece block may be further configured to be connectable to additional single-piece blocks. A single-piece block may be connected to one or more additional single-piece blocks to form a modular assembly. In this manner, a network of channels suitable for fluid distribution in a given production line may be formed by connecting multiple blocks together. Thus, the connection of the blocks may be tailored by a user to meet the user's production needs. Thus, the modular feature of the blocks provides a user with a high degree of flexibility to design and build a network of channels to meet the user's production needs.

[0024] The compressor element may be configured to be manually actuated, which is advantageous because it provides a form of user control over the opening and closing of the closure assembly, and therefore over the valve assembly itself. The compressor element may be configured to be pneumatically actuated, which is advantageous because it provides rapid switching of the compressor element between open and closed positions. This further provides a means of safeguarding against failure of the valve assembly, since pneumatic actuation allows the valve assembly to switch to either the open or closed position, whichever is deemed most appropriate for a given process, in the event of a failure.

[0025] Thus, the present invention as described provides a single, replaceable or disposable block for transporting biologics for use with polymer single-use technology in the bioprocessing industry. The present invention further provides for overcoming the requirement for general compression of polymer piping within the valve assembly. The one-piece block can be fabricated from a high-density polymer to provide sufficient strength to withstand the forces of the compressor elements sealing against the liner, yet provides significantly reduced component mass for easy removal during batch changeover.

[0026] Importantly, the design intent is that the entire one-piece block is now "single-use" and can be discarded for replacement with a completely replaceable, unused, single-piece block. This provides a significant advantage because partial or complete removal of the valve body is not required to allow for replacement and reassembly of the silicone liner. The entire component is simply removed by the operator and replaced with a new, single component. Fluid conduits, in the form of piping or an alternative form, can be simply connected to the block via outlets provided in the block by the selected mating methodology, e.g., tri-clamp, barb, etc.

[0027] In prior art systems, the compressor element of the pinch valve assembly may be movable between an open position, in which the fluid conduit between the compressor and the holder element is decompressed to allow fluid flow within the channel, and a closed position, in which the fluid conduit between the compressor and the separate holder element is compressed to prevent fluid flow within the channel. This provides compression, and consequently closure, of the fluid conduit positioned between the separate compressor element and the holder element. This effectively stops medium flow through the conduit when the compressor element is in the closed position. The conduit is then decompressed and consequently opened to resume medium flow through the conduit if needed. The holder and compressor obviously need to be separated to allow the fluid conduit liner to be assembled within the assembly.

[0028] However, the present invention provides that the operating mechanism for compressing the fluid conduit liner is embedded within a single block, so that only two elements are required to provide a sealable valve assembly: i) a superstructure that includes a compression element and provides the force for linear movement and compression, and ii) a base that comprises the single block. The block includes the sealing element, and the base may be constructed of a reinforced polymer base to resist the compressive force of the superstructure. Rather than having to replace and assemble the silicone conduit liner between each production batch, the entire valve body is easily replaced.

[0029] As a result, the single-piece block is truly single-use and can be disposed of during drug batch changes. A separate silicone liner element is now not required, thus eliminating the need for multiple components and time-consuming change-out processes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of a prior art pinch valve assembly illustrating a separated liner single product contact compressor element, which illustrates a pneumatically driven assembly. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram of a prior art pinch valve assembly illustrating a separated liner multiple product contact compressor element. This illustrates a manually actuated assembly. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram of a pinch valve assembly of the present invention having an embedded sealing mechanism coupled to a pneumatically actuated closure assembly. [Figure 4ai)] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of a pinch valve assembly of the present invention coupled to a pneumatically actuated closure assembly with a compressor element in an open position. [Figure 4aii)] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of a pinch valve assembly of the present invention coupled to a pneumatically actuated closure assembly with a compressor element in an open position. [Figure 4bi)] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of a pinch valve assembly of the present invention coupled to a pneumatically actuated closure assembly with the compressor element in a closed position. [Figure 4bii)] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of a pinch valve assembly of the present invention coupled to a pneumatically actuated closure assembly with the compressor element in a closed position. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram of a pinch valve assembly of the present invention having an embedded sealing mechanism. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a pinch valve assembly of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a view of the upper construction assembly housing and mounting plate positioned to receive the pinch valve assembly of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a view of the pinch valve assembly of the present invention mated to the upper construction assembly housing and mounting plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a prior art pinch valve assembly 11 illustrating a separate liner single product 12 and a product contact compressor element 13. This example illustrates a pneumatically driven assembly. FIG. 2 is a diagram of a prior art pinch valve assembly 21 illustrating an opening 22 into which a separate liner is inserted and a product contact compressor element 23 for compressing the inserted liner. This illustrates a manually driven assembly, whereby a handle 24 can be manually turned to move the compressor element and apply pressure to seal the liner or conduit. In both FIGS. 1 and 2, the pinch valve assemblies 11, 21 include an assembly housing configured such that the compressor is movable within the assembly housing toward the holder for compression of a fluid conduit that may be disposed in the housing opening between the compressor and the holder. Note that such assemblies do not include channels or conduits integrated into the assembly. Therefore, to achieve fluid flow through such assemblies, fluid conduits in the form of piping are largely provided separately from the assembly.

[0033] Figure 3 shows a pinch valve assembly 31 of the present invention for compressing a multichannel, multiport valve assembly. The pinch valve assembly 31 includes a single-piece block 32 or base block with one or more internal channels within the block for dispensing fluids, such as biologics. The block may be constructed from a polymeric material. The use of a polymeric material offers the advantage of a lightweight material for constructing the disposable body, which is easily manufactured (molded, machined, etc.) into the required form and shape. The product-contacting embedded sealing barrier may be injection molded into the required shape, either directly into the body itself or externally before being incorporated into the assembly. The product-contacting polymer and embedded sealing barrier can be rendered inert and sterilized by a suitable process, such as gamma irradiation. Plasma coating may also be applied to the internal surfaces that contact the biologic. This ensures that any surfaces that contact the biologic are sterile. The single-piece block 32 further includes one or more outlets 33 for connecting one or more fluid conduits to the internal channels. The example in Figure 3 shows three outlets 33a, 33b, and 33c on the front surface of the block and two additional outlets 33d and 33e, one on each side of the block. Figure 3 also shows a single-piece block in communication with several compressor elements 34. The pinch valve assembly is provided with one or more openings (not shown in Figure 3) for connecting the compressor elements to the internal channels. The pinch valve assembly is thus configured such that a compressor element connected to one of the one or more openings is movable toward and through the opening for compression of an embedded sealable mechanism in one of the internal channels. The example in Figure 3 shows five compressor elements 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, and 34e connected in position such that the five compressor elements 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, and 34e can provide a compressive force to the five internal channels within the block 32.

[0034] The compressor is movable between an open position (the compressor element is outside of or protrudes slightly through the block 32) and a closed position (the compressor moves through the block 32). The embedded sealing mechanism takes the form of a barrier. As explained further below, the barrier can be outside of the channel but movable within the channel to seal the channel against fluid flow. Alternatively, the barrier lines the interior channel surface. The barrier is made from a deformable material, such as a silicone material, tubing, or another material, or another polymer material or tubing that is discarded with the single-piece base after use. The embedded sealing mechanism can be decompressed by moving the compressor back to the open position. Two alternatives for providing the embedded sealing mechanism are described with reference to FIGS. 4ai) and 4aii) and 4bi) and 4bii).

[0035] 4ai) and 4aii) show the compressor elements Open 1 is a cutaway view of the pinch valve assembly 31 of the present invention in the position and coupled to a pneumatically operated compressor element 34c.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4ai), a compression element 41 is shown above an internal channel 42 in the block. A compression pin or piston 43 of compressor element 34c is shown resting above compression element 41. Channel 42 is therefore open, allowing fluid to flow through the channel. In this embodiment, the compression element forms an embedded, sealable barrier, as compression of the element has the effect of sealing the channel against fluid flow.

[0037] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4aii), there is no compression element above the channel in the block. A compression pin or piston 43 is shown resting above a fluid conduit 44. Such a conduit may be added to a unitary block by injection molding or other process. Thus, the conduit 44 is integrated into the block itself. Again, the channel is open, allowing fluid to flow through it. In this embodiment, the conduit 44 itself forms an embedded, sealable barrier, as compression of the conduit has the effect of sealing the channel against fluid flow.

[0038] Figures 4bi) and 4bii) show the compressor elements closed 4b) is a cutaway view of a pinch valve assembly 31 of the present invention coupled to a pneumatically actuated compressor element 34c in a position. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4b), the compression element is shown compressed in a channel 42 within a block. A compression pin or piston 43 thus exerts a compressive force on the compression element 41, moving the compression element 41 into the channel and sealing it. The channel is therefore closed and fluid cannot flow through the channel.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4bii), as mentioned above, there is no compression element. A compression pin or piston 43 is shown compressing the fluid conduit 44 itself into the channel, sealing the channel. The channel is therefore closed and fluid cannot flow through the channel.

[0040] It should be noted that in both embodiments, in contrast to the prior art assemblies of FIGS. 1 and 2, no additional piping needs to be provided to provide a fluid path through the assembly. The internal channel provides such a fluid path. The fluid conduits of the second embodiment are integral to the device and do not need to be added by the user. External fluid conduits may also be attached to the assembly of the present invention, but only for the purpose of transporting fluid from the assembly to other locations in the production line. The assembly itself does not require the addition of external piping for fluid to pass through the assembly. It should further be noted that in both embodiments, there is no contact between the compression pin and the fluid flowing within the channel. In the first embodiment, the compression pin is in contact with the compression element and not with the fluid within the channel. In the second embodiment, the compression pin is in contact with the outer surface of the fluid conduit and not with the fluid within the channel.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a diagram of another embodiment of the pinch valve assembly of the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a single-piece block 51a connected to an additional single-piece block 51b. A total of four blocks 51a, 51b, 51c, and 51d are connected to form a modular assembly. Note that while FIG. 3 shows a single-piece block with three outlets on the front of the block and two additional outlets, one on each side of the block, the block in FIG. 5 has a single outlet 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d on the front of the block and two additional outlets, one on each side of the block. Side outlet 53d of block 51d is visible, as is side outlet 53a of block 51a. The outlets of blocks 51b and 51c are hidden because the blocks are connected. Note that an outlet, such as 53a, can be sealed if not in use. Other block configurations with a series of outlets on the front and sides of the block are also possible. It should also be noted that such blocks may be connected in the manner shown in Figure 5, i.e., the connection of multiple blocks to form a modular assembly is not limited to connecting blocks with a single front outlet as shown in Figure 5. Openings 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d for connecting one or more compressor elements to the internal channels are also shown in Figure 5.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the modular assembly of FIG. 5. Note that this cross-sectional view is for illustrative purposes. The blocks are intended to be provided as a single piece with internal channels. They are not intended to be separable as shown. Each block is provided with an internal channel. The internal channels 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d of each block can be joined to allow the user to construct a fluid pathway suitable for their needs. In the example shown, fluid conduits 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d are integrated into each block. The fluid conduits further serve as embedded sealable barriers and can be sealed with compression pins, as described with respect to FIG. 4bii).

[0043] 7 is a diagram of an upper construction assembly housing 71 and a mounting plate 72. The upper construction assembly includes a series of four compressor elements 71a, 71b, 71c, and 71d suitable for compressing the recessed sealable barrier of the valve assembly. Compression pins or pistons 73a, 73b, 73c, and 73d of the compressor elements can be seen to protrude slightly through the mounting plate 72. A valve assembly according to the present invention can be mated with the mounting plate 72 such that openings in the assembly are aligned with the compression pins or pistons 73a, 73b, 73c, and 73d. This ensures that when the compressor is activated, the pins or pistons can pass through the mounting plate and valve assembly openings to apply compression to the recessed sealable barrier within the channel of the assembly.

[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates such a configuration, with a pinch valve assembly 81 of the present invention mated to an upper construction assembly housing 82 and a mounting plate 83. The upper construction assembly includes a series of five compressor elements 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d, and 84e, compared to the four elements in FIG. 7. The valve assembly base block 85 can be assembled to a process fixture (filtration, purification) skid wall, bracket, fixture, fitting, or freestanding assembly in one simple quick-fit operation. Thus, FIG. 8 shows that after a given process is completed, the valve assembly can be removed as a single unit from the mounting plate, and a new assembly can be realigned and installed with the series of compressor elements. This is a highly efficient procedure requiring little process downtime. Because the compressor elements do not come into contact with any fluid, cross-contamination issues cannot arise. Therefore, additional sterilization of the compressor elements is unnecessary. After the new assembly is in place, the new fluid transfer process is ready to occur.

[0045] Thus, the flow channels for multiple compression elements can be changed with just one quick-fit operation while maintaining the purity characteristics of the embedded sealing mechanism. The valve assembly block is provided as a sterile component. This can be achieved by gamma irradiation of the block. Additionally, the internal channels are sterilized by plasma coating.

[0046] Providing the valve assembly base block as a single-use disposable element eliminates the time-consuming process of changing drug batches.

[0047] Additionally, to change between piping sizes, a first valve assembly base block can be removed and replaced with a second valve assembly base block of appropriate dimensions; i.e., the block can be sized according to the range of block and internal channel dimensions. Thus, a complete valve replacement is not required for scaling up or down a given process. Different valve assembly sizes can be accounted for in the initial configuration of the upper structure compressor element, thereby providing the same closing and compression stroke to compress to the depth and force required to seal the embedded sealing mechanism against fluid flow pressure, regardless of size, without damaging the embedded sealing mechanism structure.

[0048] When used herein in connection with the present invention, the words "comprises" / "comprising" and "having" / "including" are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0049] It will be appreciated that certain features of the invention that are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, can also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, can also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The present disclosure also includes the following aspects. [Aspect 1] 1. A pinch valve assembly comprising: a single-piece block having one or more internal channels therein for distributing fluids, each of said one or more internal channels having an embedded sealable barrier; The pinch valve assembly, wherein the single-piece block further comprises one or more outlets for connecting one or more fluid conduits to the channel. [Aspect 2] 2. The pinch valve assembly of embodiment 1, further comprising one or more openings for connecting one or more compressor elements to the internal channel. Aspect 3 3. The pinch valve assembly of claim 2, wherein the compressor element connected to one of the one or more openings is configured to be movable toward and through the opening for compression of the embedded sealable barrier in one of the internal channels to seal the internal channel. Aspect 4 4. The pinch valve assembly of claim 3, wherein the embedded sealable barrier is a compressible surface within the assembly, and the compressor element is configured to compress the compressible surface into the internal channel to seal the internal channel. Aspect 5 4. The pinch valve assembly of claim 3, wherein the embedded sealable barrier is a compressible fluid conduit internal to the assembly, and the compressor element is configured to press directly against a surface of the compressible fluid conduit to seal the internal channel. Aspect 6 A pinch valve assembly according to any one of aspects 3 to 5, wherein, in use, the compressor element is movable between an open position in which an embedded sealable barrier in one of the one or more channels is decompressed to allow fluid flow within the channel, and a closed position in which an embedded sealable barrier in one of the one or more channels is compressed to prevent fluid flow within the channel. Aspect 7 A pinch valve assembly as described in any one of aspects 3 to 6, wherein the single-piece block is rectangular shaped, with the plurality of outlets for connecting one or more fluid conduits to the internal channel on a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface, and the plurality of openings for connecting one or more compressor elements to the internal channel on a fourth surface. Aspect 8 Aspect 8. The pinch valve assembly of any one of aspects 1-7, wherein the single-piece block comprises a disposable polymer block. Aspect 9 Aspect 9. The pinch valve assembly of any one of aspects 1-8, wherein the embedded sealable barrier is composed of a silicone material. Aspect 10 Aspect 10. The pinch valve assembly of any one of aspects 1-9, wherein the internal channel is configured for sterile dispensing of fluid. Aspect 11 11. The pinch valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the interior channel is sterilized via plasma coating. Aspect 12 12. The pinch valve assembly of any one of aspects 1-11, wherein the single-piece block is further configured to be connectable to an additional single-piece block. Aspect 13 13. The pinch valve assembly of embodiment 12, wherein the single-piece block is connected to one or more additional single-piece blocks to form a modular assembly. Aspect 14 14. The pinch valve assembly of any one of aspects 3-13, wherein the compressor element is configured to be manually actuated. Aspect 15 Aspect 14. The pinch valve assembly of any one of aspects 3-13, wherein the compressor element is configured to be pneumatically actuated.

Claims

1. 1. A pinch valve assembly comprising: a single-piece block having one or more internal channels therein for distributing fluids, each of said one or more internal channels having an embedded sealable barrier; the single-piece block further comprising one or more outlets for connecting one or more fluid conduits to the internal channel, the pinch valve assembly comprising: further comprising one or more openings for connecting one or more compressor elements to the internal channel; the compressor element connected to one of the one or more openings is configured to be movable toward and through the opening for compression of the embedded sealable barrier in one of the internal channels to seal the internal channel; The pinch valve assembly, wherein the single-piece block is rectangular shaped with a plurality of outlets for connecting one or more fluid conduits to the internal channel on a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface, and a plurality of openings for connecting one or more compressor elements to the internal channel on a fourth surface.

2. 2. The pinch valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the embedded sealable barrier is a compressible surface within the pinch valve assembly, and the compressor element is configured to compress the compressible surface into the internal channel to seal the internal channel.

3. 2. The pinch valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the embedded sealable barrier is a compressible fluid conduit internal to the pinch valve assembly, and the compressor element is configured to press directly against a surface of the compressible fluid conduit to seal the internal channel.

4. 4. The pinch valve assembly of claim 1, wherein, in use, the compressor element is movable between an open position in which an embedded sealable barrier in one of the one or more internal channels is decompressed to allow fluid flow within the internal channel, and a closed position in which an embedded sealable barrier in one of the one or more internal channels is compressed to prevent fluid flow within the internal channel.

5. The pinch valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the single-piece block comprises a disposable polymer block.

6. The pinch valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the embedded sealable barrier is constructed from a silicone material.

7. The pinch valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the internal channel is configured for sterile dispensing of fluids.

8. The pinch valve assembly of claim 7, wherein the interior channel is sterilized via plasma coating.

9. The pinch valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the single-piece block is further configured to be connectable to additional single-piece blocks.

10. 10. The pinch valve assembly of claim 9, wherein the single-piece block is connected to one or more additional single-piece blocks to form a modular assembly.

11. The pinch valve assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the compressor element is configured to be manually actuated.

12. The pinch valve assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the compressor element is configured to be pneumatically actuated.

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