Fluid module assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides - a first fluid module (10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) comprising a block (1) including a first surface (11), one or more central conduits (2) and at least one lateral conduit (2) connected to one of said central conduits (2), and a first closure member configured to close or open at least one lateral line; a second fluid module (30) comprising at least a block (1) including a first surface, a first central conduit (32), a first lateral conduit (34) connected to the first central conduit (32), a second central conduit (33), and a second lateral conduit (35) connected to the second central conduit (33), and a second closure member configured to close or open the openings of the first lateral conduit (34) and / or the second lateral conduit (34); The first surface (11) of each of the first and second fluid modules (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) is assembled with a surface of a block (1) of another fluid module (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) by contact between the two surfaces. The invention also relates to a device comprising such an assembly, to a separation facility comprising such a device, and to the use of such an assembly in a biomolecule purification facility. [Representative diagram] Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid module that can be incorporated into a valve block type assembly that can be used particularly in chromatography equipment for the purification of biomolecules, and an assembly comprising such a fluid module.

Background Art

[0002] Biomolecules are usually produced by cell culture (bacterial cells or eukaryotic cells). The target biomolecules thus produced must be purified by various techniques in order to remove impurities present in the production medium. Conventionally, these have been subjected to at least one separation step such as a chromatography step. Separation equipment generally comprises one or more sets of valves for transporting and directing the solution of the biomolecule and the various fluids used in the separation step or produced by the separation step.

[0003] Thus, EP1948339B1 describes a chromatography device comprising a valve block, the valve block comprising a central conduit connecting two connectors for connecting the valve block to a chromatography column or a discharge pipe or a supply pipe, and a plurality of lateral conduits starting from the central conduit, with valves arranged in each of the central conduit and the lateral conduits.

[0004] The valve block described in this publication has the drawback that it cannot be changed as required.

[0005] In other technical fields, various valves or fluid transport systems have been described.

[0006] FR2896549 discloses a device for preparing compressed air, comprising a set of modular maintenance elements passing through a fluid conduit for receiving the compressed air to be treated.

[0007] EP2102509B1 describes a valve device formed by assembling multiple modules using an anchor tie rod, which is formed from multiple tie rod elements that are screwed together with each other.

[0008] US6,892,763 describes a valve including a valve body having multiple conduits, which are mounted between two connecting plates, each containing a connecting conduit that communicates with one of the conduits of the valve body.

[0009] US2013 / 0269791 describes a valve system for hydrogen distribution, comprising functional units arranged front to back, each having functional elements mounted on a connecting block, the connecting block having inlets and outlets aligned with the inlets or outlets of adjacent blocks.

[0010] US2006 / 0027275 describes a modular system for the semiconductor industry, comprising a block with fluid passages assembled using fastening means that pass through the block.

[0011] US4,136,713 relates to a fluid circuit unit comprising a block containing five parallel conduits passing through the block, some of which are also connected to the face of the block to which a valve is fixed.

[0012] Therefore, there is a real need to provide a fluid module that can be assembled into a compact, modular, and customizable assembly usable in biomolecular therapeutic equipment, and such a compact, modular, and customizable assembly usable in biomolecular therapeutic equipment. [Overview of the project]

[0013] The present invention, firstly, —The first fluid module, • A first surface configured to be assembled by contacting the surface of another fluid module block, - A single central conduit opening to the first surface, or a plurality of central conduits opening to the first surface, A block comprising: at least one side line connected to the central conduit or one of the plurality of central conduits, having at least one fluid access port on a second face of the block that is not opposite the first face, wherein the fluid access port is either a fluid inlet or a fluid outlet; A first fluid module further comprising a first closing member configured to close or open at least one side line, —The second fluid module, • The first face is configured to be assembled by contacting the faces of other fluid module blocks, which are the second, third, and fourth faces. A first central conduit having one end that opens to the first surface and the other end that does not open to the surface of the block, • A first lateral conduit connected to the first central conduit and having an opening on the third face of the block, A second central conduit having one end that opens to the fourth surface and the other end that does not open to the surface of the block, A block comprising: a second lateral conduit connected to the second central conduit and having an opening on the third face of the block, The second fluid module further comprises a second closing member configured to close or open the opening of the first lateral conduit on the third surface and / or the opening of the second lateral conduit on the third surface, It has at least the following features: The first surface of each of the first and second fluid modules relates to an assembly, which is assembled by contact between the two surfaces and the surface of a block of another fluid module.

[0014] In some embodiments, the side line of the first fluid module is —A first lateral conduit connected to the central conduit or one of the plurality of central conduits, having an opening on the third face of the block, — comprising at least a second lateral conduit having an opening on the third face of the block and at least one opening on the second face of the block, forming the fluid access port, The first closing member is configured to close or open the opening of the first lateral conduit on the third surface and / or the opening of the second lateral conduit on the third surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first fluid module has a fluid access port on the second face of the block that is not opposite the first face, and includes at least two side wires that are either the same or different, each connected to the central conduit or one of a plurality of central conduits which may be the same or different, and the first fluid module includes a closing member configured to close or open each of the at least two side wires.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first surface of the first module and the second module is planar.

[0017] In some embodiments, the fourth surface of the second fluid module is configured to be assembled by contacting a surface of another fluid module block, preferably a plane, and preferably the fourth surface of the second fluid module is opposite to the first surface of the second fluid module.

[0018] In some embodiments, the central conduit of the first fluid module or at least one of the plurality of central conduits opens onto a fourth surface of the block, which is opposite to the first surface, and different from the first surface.

[0019] In some embodiments, the fourth face of the block of the first fluid module is configured to be assembled by contacting the face of another fluid module block, and preferably, the fourth face is planar.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least one of the central conduits or the plurality of central conduits of the first fluid module is not penetrating and does not open on the face of the block.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first closing member configured to close or open the first fluid module is a valve stopper, and preferably, each lateral line of the first fluid module is independently closed or opened by a valve.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second closing member of the second fluid module is the valve stopper.

[0023] In some embodiments, the one or more valves are selected from the group consisting of pinch valves, needle valves, ball valves, flap gate valves, and diaphragm valves, and more preferably a diaphragm valve.

[0024] In some embodiments, the block of at least one of the first and second fluid modules is of a disposable type, and more preferably, the block and the closing member of at least one of the first and second fluid modules are of a disposable type, and even more preferably, the blocks of the first and second fluid modules are of a disposable type, and even more preferably, the block and the closing members of the first and second fluid modules are of a disposable type.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first fluid module includes at least one sensor and / or one transmitter inserted into the block of the fluid module.

[0026] In some embodiments, the assembly includes 2 to 20 fluid modules.

[0027] In some embodiments, a seal exists between the faces of the block assembled by contact.

[0028] In some embodiments, the fluid module is assembled by at least one tie rod, preferably at least two tie rods, and more preferably three tie rods, passing through the block of the fluid module.

[0029] In some embodiments, at least one fluid module is assembled to an end plate, which is done by contact between the end plate and the face of the block of the fluid module.

[0030] The present invention also relates to a device comprising one assembly as described above, wherein the fluid access port of the side line of the first fluid module is connected to a lateral fluid tube, and the lateral fluid tube is preferably connected to another fluid module, more preferably to a second assembly of a fluid module, and more preferably to a fluid module included in the second assembly described above.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a separation system that preferably includes at least one separation device, preferably connected to a chromatography column, for separation by chromatography.

[0032] The present invention also relates to the use of the above-described assembly or device for fluid transport in biomolecular purification equipment, particularly for purification by chromatography.

[0033] The present invention also relates to the transport of fluids within biomolecular purification equipment, particularly for purification by chromatography. —To provide the assembly or device described above, — comprising circulating the fluid within the assembly or device, Regarding fluid transport methods.

[0034] The present invention makes it possible to satisfy the above-mentioned needs. More specifically, it provides a fluid module that can be assembled with other fluid modules in such a way as to form a compact, sealed assembly that is modular and customizable as needed and can be connected to elements of equipment for handling biomolecules, such as one or more chromatography columns.

[0035] This is achieved by having a block within the fluid module that has a surface configured to be assembled by contacting the surface of another fluid module block, which allows for compact assembly, reduces the amount of piping required, and has at least one central conduit and at least one side line within the block that can be closed or opened, thereby enabling the transport and distribution of fluid.

[0036] Furthermore, a compact, sealed assembly can be provided that can be modularly customized as needed and connected to elements of equipment for processing biomolecules, such as one or more chromatography columns.

[0037] This is achieved by using at least two fluid modules assembled by the contact of one block with the block of another fluid module, which allows for a compact assembly and reduces the amount of piping required. Furthermore, each of the two fluid modules comprises a block and a closing member with a specific configuration that enables the transport and distribution of fluid. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a fluid module assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of the assembly shown. [Figure 3] This is a schematic top view of another exemplary assembly of the fluid module according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of the fluid module of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of the fluid module of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of the fluid module of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another configuration of the fluid module. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of the fluid module of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a fluid module assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a fluid module assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a schematic top view of an example of a device for a fluid module assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure schematically shows a chromatography apparatus including a fluid module assembly according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] Detailed explanation The present invention will be described in more detail below, and not limited thereto, in the following description.

[0040] Fluid module The present invention relates, firstly, to a fluid module comprising a block, the block including at least one face (hereinafter referred to as the “first face”) configured to be assembled by contact with a face of another fluid module block. In other words, a block of a fluid module can be assembled with a block of another fluid module via a face-to-face connection. In an advantageous way, the first face configured to be assembled by contact with a face of another fluid module block is planar or essentially planar.

[0041] Preferably, the block includes at least two faces (referred to herein as the “first face” and the “fourth face”) configured to be assembled by contact with the faces of another fluid module block. More preferably, the first and fourth faces are opposite faces of the block. In some embodiments, the block may have one, two, three, four, five, six, or more faces configured to be assembled by contact with the faces of another fluid module block, for example, all faces of the block may be configured to be assembled by contact with the faces of another fluid module block (this enables a three-dimensional type of assembly).

[0042] The block can have any suitable shape. In particular, the block can independently have concave, convex, planar, or essentially planar faces. In a particularly advantageous way, all faces of the block are planar or essentially planar. Preferably, the block has the shape of a parallelepiped or substantially parallelepiped. Alternatively, the block may have the shape of, for example, a cylinder or essentially cylindrical, preferably a straight cylinder (as will be described in more detail below, the first and fourth faces are perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder, and the block further comprises, for example, two planes, preferably opposing faces, preferably corresponding to the third and sixth faces described later), or a pyramidal shape.

[0043] The block may have, or be composed of, a metal, preferably stainless steel, and / or a plastic material such as polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), silicone polymer, polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), and / or polysulfone (PSU). The block may be manufactured by machining and / or molding.

[0044] The block may have a length ranging from 30 mm to 300 mm, preferably from 50 mm to 90 mm, and / or a width ranging from 30 mm to 300 mm, preferably from 50 mm to 90 mm, and / or a depth ranging from 30 mm to 300 mm, preferably from 50 mm to 90 mm. The term "length" should be understood to refer to the maximum dimension of the block, and the term "depth" should be understood to refer to the minimum dimension of the block.

[0045] The block is provided with a central conduit. The central conduit has at least a first opening on the surface of the block, preferably on the first surface of the block.

[0046] The central conduit may have a second opening on another face of the block, preferably the face opposite the face containing the fourth and / or first opening of the block. In these embodiments, the central conduit connects the face containing the first opening of the central conduit to the face containing the second opening of the central conduit through the interior of the block.

[0047] Alternatively, the central conduit may have only a single opening on the surface of the block. In other words, the central conduit is "non-penetrating," meaning it terminates within the block rather than penetrating through to another surface of the block, particularly the surface opposite to the surface containing the first opening of the central conduit.

[0048] The openings of the central conduits may be at the center of the plane in which they are positioned, or they may be independently offset from the center. Thus, the central conduits may have a longitudinal axis that is offset (but preferably parallel) to the central axis of the block.

[0049] The block may include a single central conduit, or it may include multiple central conduits, for example, at least two central conduits, for example, two central conduits, or three, four or more central conduits. If the block has multiple central conduits, they all have at least a first opening on the same face of the block, preferably on a first face of the block. Each central conduit may be as described above. In particular, each of the central conduits may be independently through or non-through. Preferably, if there are multiple central conduits, they all have openings that are through or non-through, particularly on a fourth face, particularly on the face opposite the face containing the first opening. Furthermore, if the block has multiple central conduits, preferably they are not fluidically connected to each other essentially within the block (or referred to as "non-connected"), i.e., flows cannot flow from one to another by essentially passing through the interior of the block (this is permanent). The term "fluidically connected in an essentially internal manner of the block" is understood to mean fluid connections that do not occur via fluid conduits that exist outside the block. On the other hand, such fluid connections that are essentially within the block include fluid connections made through valves located on the surface of the block.

[0050] The block also comprises at least one side line having a fluid access port on one face of the block (referred to herein as the “second face”). The term “fluid access port” is understood to mean an orifice that can be connected to, or is configured to be connected to, a fluid supply pipe or a fluid discharge pipe. Thus, a fluid access port is not a fluid access port, but rather an opening intended to supply fluid passing through the fluid access port to elements such as valves or measuring devices that allow for the blocking of fluid passage before the fluid is reintroduced into the block.

[0051] The fluid access port may be a fluid inlet that is connectable to or configured to be connectable to a fluid supply line, or a fluid outlet that is connectable to or configured to be connectable to a fluid discharge conduit.

[0052] The second surface containing the fluid access port may be the first surface or the fourth surface, but in a particularly preferred embodiment, it is different from the first surface and preferably different from the fourth surface. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second surface on which the fluid access port is located is not the surface opposite to the first opening of the central conduit or the surface containing the central conduit (preferably the first surface).

[0053] For the purposes of this invention, “line” may be directly interrupted by one or more elements such as valves or measuring instruments (e.g., sensors or transmitters), or may include one or more conduits. It may include parts located outside the block, or it may be entirely inside the block. For the purposes of this invention, “conduit” means a channel formed entirely inside the block. The conduit may have any possible path, and may be in particular straight or at an angle.

[0054] A side line is connected to a central conduit or one of several central conduits by one of its ends. If the central conduit is non-penetrating, the side line may be connected to the central conduit at its non-penetrating end. Preferably, the side line is connected directly to the central conduit, i.e., the central conduit and the side line (or one of the conduits forming it) are directly connected to each other without using any other elements or parts other than the block required to form the connection. In a very advantageous way, the connection between the side line and the central conduit is made inside a block (i.e., a connection in which fluid flows from the central conduit to the side line or vice versa by passing through the inside of the block (without passing outside the block)).

[0055] The side lines according to the present invention can be closed or opened (or subject to being closed or opened). That is, the fluid module includes a closing element that allows for the interruption or reopening of the fluid flow including its side lines. The side lines can be closed or opened at any point along the side lines, for example, at a fluid access port. However, preferably, the side lines are closed or opened between the connection of the side lines to the central conduit and the fluid access port. In an advantageous manner, the side lines are closed or opened outside the block.

[0056] In a more preferred manner, the side line comprises at least a first lateral conduit connected to a central conduit (or one of a plurality of central conduits) and having an opening in a face of the block (referred to herein as the “third face”), and a second lateral conduit having one opening in its third face of the block and at least one opening in another face of the block, preferably a second face of the block, wherein the openings form the fluid access ports of the side line. The third face may be the first face, a fourth face, or a second face, but in a particularly preferred embodiment, it is different from the first face and / or (preferably, and) the fourth face and / or (preferably, and) the second face. Preferably, the first lateral conduit is directly connected to the central conduit (or one of the central conduits), preferably, the connection is made inside the block.

[0057] Preferably, the fluid module includes a space outside the block that ensures a fluid connection between a first lateral conduit and a second lateral conduit. However, when the lateral conduit is closed, this fluid connection can be interrupted. Preferably, the space in question is defined by a face of the block (a third face) and a closing member.

[0058] Preferably, the closure or opening of the lateral line is performed at the opening of the first conduit on the third surface and / or the opening of the second conduit on the third surface. More preferably, the closure of the lateral line is performed by blocking the opening of the first conduit on the third surface of the block and / or the opening of the second conduit on the third surface of the block with a closing member, and more preferably, by blocking the opening of the first conduit on the third surface and the opening of the second conduit on the third surface with a closing member. In these embodiments, the opening of the lateral line is performed by releasing the blockage of the openings that have been blocked by the closing member, preferably by releasing the blockage of the opening of the first conduit on the third surface and the opening of the second conduit on the third surface. In these embodiments, when the lateral line is open, the first lateral conduit and the second lateral conduit are in fluid communication, and preferably the central conduit and the second lateral conduit are in fluid communication. The term "fluid communication" between two elements is understood to indicate that, if fluid is present, it can effectively flow from one element to another. When the lateral lines are closed, the first lateral conduit and the second lateral conduit (and the central conduit and the second lateral conduit) are not in fluid communication.

[0059] In an advantageous manner, the side wire is closed or opened by a valve mounted on the block. Preferably, the valve comprises an actuator and a closure device, the actuator being capable of operating the closure device. In these embodiments, the closure device of the valve is a closing member. The valve may be selected from the group consisting of pinch valves, needle valves, ball valves, flap gate valves, and diaphragm valves. In a particularly advantageous manner, the valve is a diaphragm valve, i.e., the closure device (and therefore closing member) is a diaphragm operated by an actuator. Preferably, the diaphragm covers both the opening of the first conduit of the side wire on the third surface and the opening of the second conduit of the side wire on the third surface. In embodiments, the third surface may be hollowed out in such a way that it includes the position of the diaphragm.

[0060] The second conduit of the side line may include a third opening on a face of the block (referred to herein as the “fifth face”). The fifth face may be the first, fourth, second, or third face, but in a particularly preferred embodiment, it may be different from the first face and / or (preferably, and) the fourth face and / or (preferably, and) the second face and / or (preferably, and) the third face. More preferably, the fifth face is opposite the second face. Thus, for example, the second conduit of the side line may include a first conduit portion that begins on the third face and then divides into two conduits that connect to the second face and the fifth face, respectively. Preferably, this third opening is a fluid access port that may be a fluid inlet or fluid outlet. In certain embodiments, the second conduit of the side line may include other openings on a face of the block (which may be the same as or different from one of the faces described above).

[0061] A block may have one or more, preferably at least two, or at least three mounting holes for assembling it into another fluid module block. Preferably, if a block has multiple mounting holes, they open to the same face of the block. The mounting holes are advantageously located on at least a first face of the block. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the mounting holes penetrate the block and open to another face, preferably the face opposite the first face, preferably a fourth face. The mounting holes preferably have a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the central conduit. In some embodiments, the first face includes three mounting holes arranged on that face in a triangular configuration around the opening of the central conduit. In other embodiments, the first face includes two mounting holes arranged on that face on either side of the opening of the central conduit so that the two mounting holes and the opening of the central conduit are aligned. Preferably, the mounting holes are configured to accommodate their respective tie rods.

[0062] In other embodiments, the block does not have mounting holes.

[0063] A block may have at least one raised portion (male) and / or one recess (female) on its first surface, intended to mate with corresponding female and male portions located on the surface of another block, respectively. A block may have one (or more) such male and / or one (or more) such female portions on all of its surfaces, which are configured to be assembled by contacting the surface of a block of another fluid module (e.g., a fourth surface), or all of its surfaces. These male / female portions help to properly position / center the blocks relative to each other when assembling the blocks of the fluid module. The male and female portions may have any suitable shape. They may have, for example, a square, elliptical, circular, or annular shape, preferably an annular cross-section. The male and / or female portions may be located at any position on the surface of the block. Preferably, the first and / or fourth faces include, around the opening of a central conduit (or one or more central conduits, or more central conduits), a groove intended as a female portion to receive a raised washer located on one face of another fluid module block, or a raised washer intended as a male portion to fit into a groove located on one face of another fluid module block. For example, where a central conduit(s) pass through, the fluid module block according to the present invention may include a groove around the opening of a central conduit (or one or more central conduits, or more central conduits) on its first face and a raised washer around the opening of a central conduit (or one or more central conduits, or more central conduits) on its fourth face. The block may further include other male and / or female portions at other locations on its first and / or fourth faces.

[0064] The block may have a groove on its first surface around the opening of a central conduit (or one or more central conduits, or preferably a central conduit) intended to receive a seal. If the central conduit (or multiple central conduits) passes through an opening on another surface of the block (e.g., a fourth surface), the block may include grooves on the other surface around the opening of the central conduit (or one or more central conduits, or preferably a central conduit). If the first surface and / or the fourth surface include grooves around the opening of the central conduit (or multiple central conduits) as female parts to help center the block, preferably the two grooves are concentric, and the groove for receiving the seal is preferably located internally to the female groove, and more preferably as close as possible to the periphery of the opening of the central conduit.

[0065] A block may include at least two lateral lines as described above, or at least three or at least four lateral lines as described above. Thus, a block may include one, two, three, four, five, six, or more lateral lines.

[0066] If a block comprises multiple side lines and multiple central conduits as described above, the side lines may be connected to the same central conduit or to different central conduits. Preferably, each central conduit is connected to at least one side line as described above.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the block includes one single side line. In other embodiments, the block includes two side lines. If the block includes two side lines, the second side line includes at least a first side conduit connected to its (or one) central conduit and having an opening on a face of the block (referred to herein as the “sixth face”), and a second side conduit having an opening on its sixth face of the block and at least an opening on another face of the block, the opening of which forms a fluid access port. Preferably, the fluid access port of the second side line or a fluid access port is located on the second face containing the fluid access port of the first side line. Alternatively, the fluid access port of the second side line or a fluid access port may be located on another face of the block (e.g., the fifth face), preferably on a face that is not opposite to the face containing the first opening of its central conduit or a fluid conduit, and more preferably on the face opposite to the second face. If each of the two side lines includes two fluid access ports (or at least two fluid access ports), preferably, one fluid access port of the first side line and one fluid access port of the second side line are on the same face of the block, preferably the second face, and its other fluid access port (or another fluid access port) of the first side line and its other fluid access port (or another fluid access port) of the second side line are on the same face of the block, preferably the fifth face.

[0068] The sixth face may be the first, fourth, second, fifth, or third face, but in a particularly preferred embodiment, it is different from the first face and / or (preferably, and) the fourth face and / or (preferably, and) the second face and / or (preferably, and) the fifth face and / or (preferably, and) the third face. More preferably, the sixth face is opposite the third face.

[0069] In other embodiments, the second side line may be connected to its (or a certain) central conduit and comprise at least a first lateral conduit having an opening on a third face of the block (having the opening of the first lateral conduit of the first side line), and a second lateral conduit having an opening on the third face of the block and at least one opening on other faces of the block, forming a fluid access port. Preferably, in these embodiments, the fluid access port or a certain fluid access port of the second side line is located on the second face having the fluid access port or a certain fluid access port of the first side line. Alternatively, the fluid access port or a certain fluid access port of the second side line may be located on another face of the block (e.g., a fifth face), preferably on a face not opposite to the face having the first opening of its central conduit or a certain central conduit, and more preferably on the face opposite to the second face. If each of the two side lines has two fluid access ports (or at least two fluid access ports), preferably, one fluid access port of the first side line and one fluid access port of the second side line are on the same plane of the block, preferably on the second plane, and the other fluid access port (or another fluid access port) of the first side line and the other fluid access port (or another fluid access port) of the second side line are on the same plane of the block, preferably on the fifth plane.

[0070] If the block includes more than two side lines, the second and subsequent side lines may include, at least independently, a first side conduit connected to a central conduit and having an opening on a third or sixth face of the block, and a second side conduit having an opening on each of its third or sixth faces of the block and at least an opening on another face of the block (which may be independent, in particular the second face and / or fifth face) that forms a fluid access port.

[0071] The fluid module according to the present invention may include at least one measuring instrument, such as a sensor. In an advantageous manner, at least one sensor is at least partially inserted into the block. Preferably, at least one sensor is at least partially inserted into a central conduit or one of a plurality of central conduits. Thus, in these latter embodiments, the sensor can perform measurements of the fluid passing through the central conduit.

[0072] The sensor may be selected from the group consisting of pH sensors, electrical conductivity sensors, pressure sensors, liquid presence sensors, air presence sensors, flow rate sensors, temperature sensors, UV sensors, and near-infrared (NIR) sensors.

[0073] The fluid module may include at least two sensors, particularly as described above. If the block includes multiple central conduits, at least two sensors may be inserted at least partially into the same central conduit or into different central conduits. In some embodiments, the fluid module includes a pH sensor and a conductivity sensor.

[0074] The fluid module may include at least one or at least two transmitters. A transmitter is an electronic device that converts the raw signal from a sensor into a converted signal that can be read by an automatic control unit.

[0075] The openings of conduits and wires in a block of a fluid module, particularly fluid access ports, may include connectors intended for connecting the openings to pipes for supplying fluid, or pipes for discharging fluid, or to other installed elements. Preferably, the face(s) of a block of a fluid module, configured to be assembled by contacting the face(s) of another fluid module block, do not include such connectors. The connectors (fittings) may be tulip connectors, tri-clamp connectors, micro-clamp connectors, high-tech component (HTC) connectors, BVCO connectors (surface-seal fittings), compression connectors, screw connectors, welded connectors, or barb connectors.

[0076] The conduits of the block (whether they are central conduits, multiple conduits, or lateral conduits, etc.) may, independently or in all, have a cylindrical or essentially cylindrical shape, or any other suitable shape. They may, independently or in all, have a constant or varying transverse cross-section along their respective longitudinal axes.

[0077] In an advantageous manner, the valve actuator (if located within a fluid module) is independently removable, preferably completely removable from the valve occluder and block. Preferably, removal of the actuator from the occluder can be performed by an operator within 5 seconds. The actuator can be assembled to the valve occluder using a flange, for example, by being fastened with a wing nut.

[0078] Preferably, the sensors and / or transmitters (if present in the fluid module) are independently removable, and preferably all removable relative to the block.

[0079] Preferably, during use, only the block and closing members (or valve occluders, if one or more valves are present) of the fluid module come into contact with the fluid circulating within the fluid module. The elements that come into contact with the fluid (such as the block and closing members) may be reusable and may be cleaned after use. However, in an advantageous manner, the block of the fluid module may be disposable. Even more advantageously, the block and closing members (preferably valve occluders, e.g., valve diaphragms) of the fluid module are disposable. These elements of the fluid module are intended to come into contact with the fluid passing through the module, thereby avoiding the need to clean such elements after use.

[0080] Preferably, the actuators of the valve and / or sensor and / or transmitter are reusable.

[0081] In an advantageous manner, during the disassembly of removable elements of a fluid module, such as actuators and / or sensors and / or transmitters, any fluids that may be present within the module are contained within the block, preferably by a closing member, in such a manner that the disassembling worker does not come into contact with the fluids.

[0082] In an advantageous manner, the fluid module block is adapted to accommodate fluids having pressures in the range of up to 0.6 MPa, preferably fluids having pressures in the range of up to 2 MPa.

[0083] Assembly of fluid modules The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising the above-described at least one first fluid module and at least one second fluid module.

[0084] The second fluid module may be any fluid module comprising a block having at least one face configured to be assembled by contacting the face of another fluid module block. In particular, the second fluid module may be a fluid module as described in the previous section. Alternatively, the second fluid module may be a central valve fluid module or a measuring fluid module, which will be described in more detail below. Generally, the second fluid module is preferred. -A first surface configured to be assembled by contacting the surface of another fluid module block, - at least one central conduit opening to its first surface, It is defined to include a block that has the following features.

[0085] In the assembly according to the present invention, the first fluid module is assembled with the second fluid module by contact between its faces (or one of its faces) which are configured to be assembled by contact with the faces of each other fluid module block.

[0086] In a preferred method, the assembly comprises 2 to 20 fluid modules. In some embodiments, the assembly includes 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, or 7, or 8, or 9, or 10, or 11, or 12, or 13, or 14, or 15, or 16, or 17, or 18, or 19, or 20 fluid modules. All of the fluid modules in the assembly may be the fluid modules described above, or only some of them, or only one of the fluid modules may be the fluid modules described above.

[0087] In a particularly preferred method, the assembly according to the present invention includes at least one central valve fluid module, as described below.

[0088] Preferably, all fluid modules have at least one face configured to be assembled by contact with a face of another fluid module block. A fluid module may have two, three, four, five, six, or more faces configured to be assembled by contact with a face of another fluid module block. In a particularly preferred method, all fluid modules are assembled with one another by contact between one face of each block and one face of an adjacent fluid module block. In a favorable way, the fluid modules may be assembled front to back so as to form a column of fluid modules (each fluid module block is preferably assembled by contact with one or two other fluid module blocks). However, the assembly according to the present invention may have any other configuration and may extend in any spatial direction, and the blocks may be assembled using a number of blocks ranging from one to the number of faces of the block, for example, preferably by contact.

[0089] Preferably, all fluid modules in the assembly have a block containing at least one central conduit. Preferably, the openings of the central conduits located on the surfaces that are assembled together face each other, and more preferably, the central conduits of the blocks of fluid modules in the assembly are aligned with each other so that fluid can circulate from the central conduit of one block to the central conduit of an adjacent block. Particularly advantageous, the central conduit of a first fluid module (or at least one of a plurality of central conduits) is aligned with one of the central conduits of a central valve fluid module.

[0090] An assembly may have a seal between the faces of two blocks assembled by face-to-face contact. Preferably, in each assembly, a seal exists between the assembled faces due to the contact of the faces of two adjacent blocks. The seal is preferably located around a central conduit (or central conduit, or preferably a central conduit) and is preferably annular. Preferably, the seal is located in a groove present on one of the assembled faces, preferably on both assembled faces. The seal may be, for example, an O-ring, a flat seal, or a clamp seal. The presence of a seal between two assembled faces, particularly around the opening of the central conduit of the block, can enhance the airtightness of the assembly and even ensure complete airtightness of the assembly to fluids circulating within it.

[0091] The assembly preferably comprises a so-called “central valve” fluid module. This module preferably comprises a block having at least four faces (at least one first face, one second face, one third face, and one fourth face), more preferably at least six faces. Preferably, the block comprises at least one first central conduit, one end of which opens into the first face and is advantageously configured to be assembled by contacting a face of another fluid module block, and the other end is non-penetrating. Preferably, the block comprises at least one first lateral conduit connected to its first central conduit and having an opening in a face of the block (referred to herein as the “third face”), wherein the opening is not a fluid access port. The central valve fluid module block preferably includes at least one second central conduit, one of which has an opening on a face of the block (referred to herein as the “fourth face”), which is advantageously assembled by contacting a face of another fluid module block, and more advantageously, is located opposite the first face, with the other end being non-penetrating. Preferably, the block includes at least one second lateral conduit connected to its second central conduit and having an opening on a third face of the block, wherein the opening is not a fluid access port. The central valve fluid module further includes at least one closure element, which allows the first lateral conduit and / or (preferably, and) the second lateral conduit to be closed or opened by this closure element, preferably at the opening on the third face, for example, which closes or opens as described above in relation to the lateral line of the fluid module according to the present invention (particularly by closing and unclosing the opening), preferably using a valve, more preferably the valve described above, and more preferably a diaphragm valve. When the first and second lateral conduits are open, the first central conduit and the second central conduit are in fluid communication through the first and second lateral conduits. When one, preferably two of, of the lateral conduits is closed, the first central conduit and the second central conduit are not in fluid communication.

[0092] The assembly may include a so-called “measuring” fluid module. This module preferably includes at least one central conduit, one end of which opens to a first face, which is advantageously configured to be assembled by contacting a face of another fluid module block, and the other end of which opens to a face of the block (referred to herein as the “fourth face”), which is advantageously configured to be assembled by contacting a face of another fluid module block, which is even more advantageously on the opposite side of the block face. The central conduit (or multiple central conduits) is connected to one or more housings intended to receive measuring instruments such as sensors and / or transmitters.

[0093] Preferably, all fluid modules in the assembly are selected from the fluid modules described in the previous section, one or more central valve fluid modules, and one or more measuring fluid modules.

[0094] The assembly may include a fluid module containing filters, chromatography columns, and / or pumps.

[0095] The assembly may comprise fluid modules that are identical or different from each other. In particular, the first fluid module and the second fluid module may be different from each other.

[0096] The assembly may comprise one or more end plates, preferably two end plates, which preferably include at least one plane. Preferably, the end plates, or at least one end plate, or each thereof, are assembled to a face of a fluid module block configured to be assembled by contact with a face of another fluid module block. More preferably, the end plates, or at least one end plate, or each thereof, are assembled by contact between the end plate and a face of a fluid module block. In a particularly preferred method, the assembly comprises two end plates, one end plate located at the entrance of the assembly, i.e., adjacent to the first fluid module block of the assembly, preferably assembled to the first face of this block, and the second end plate located at the exit of the assembly, i.e., adjacent to the last fluid module block of the assembly, preferably assembled to the fourth face of this block. Alternatively, the assembly may not include end plates.

[0097] Fluid modules can be assembled by any suitable means. Preferably, clamping means are used to hold the fluid modules of the assembly together in place. This clamping means may be located at least partially inside the blocks of fluid modules and / or at least partially outside the blocks of fluid modules. The clamping means may comprise at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably at least three tie rods passing through at least two blocks of the assembly, preferably all the blocks of fluid modules in the assembly. The term “tie rod” is understood to mean a rod that is preferably made of metal and may or may not be threaded, or is only partially threaded. The tie rods pass across the blocks by passing through mounting holes in the blocks, which may be as described above. In these embodiments, all blocks through which the tie rods(s) pass have mounting holes that are symmetrically positioned with respect to a central conduit(s)(s). The use of tie rods is advantageously combined with the use of structures that are located outside the blocks of fluid modules in the assembly and are therefore referred to as “external” structures (hence the clamping means comprises one or more tie rods, or one or more external structures). Therefore, preferably, the tie rod has a threaded portion on one end, preferably both ends, from which a nut can be screwed to maintain a state in which the blocks of fluid modules are firmly pressed against each other. In an advantageous way, if the assembly includes one or more end plates, the latter includes mounting holes through which the tie rod passes. More specifically, the external structure may be a wing nut. The use of a wing nut allows for secure tightening by hand force alone without the use of tools. In some embodiments, the clamping means may be a threadless rod with a lever system.

[0098] device The present invention also relates to a device comprising at least one fluid module as described above, wherein at least one fluid access port of at least one side line is connected to a side fluid pipe. Preferably, the fluid pipe is also connected, directly or otherwise, to a fluid access port of another element such as a chromatography column or a second fluid module, preferably a fluid module included in an assembly of fluid modules. The second fluid module may be as described above.

[0099] The present invention also relates to a device comprising the above-described at least one first assembly, wherein at least one fluid access port on at least one side of at least one fluid module is connected to a lateral fluid pipe.

[0100] Preferably, the fluid pipe is also connected, directly or otherwise, to a fluid access port of another element, such as a chromatography column or fluid module, or more preferably a fluid module included in a second assembly of a fluid module. The fluid module may be one of the fluid modules described above. The second assembly of the fluid module is advantageously one of the assemblies described above.

[0101] The device according to the present invention may comprise a plurality of side tubes connected to a plurality of fluid access ports of the same given fluid module and / or a plurality of different fluid modules of a first assembly.

[0102] The device may comprise at least two, or at least three, or at least four fluid modules, at least one of which is as described above and connected to one another by at least one side pipe. If the device comprises more fluid modules connected by fluid pipes, each of these modules may be connected by fluid pipes to all of the fluid modules, or some of them, or to a single other fluid module.

[0103] In particular, the device may comprise an assembly of at least two, at least three, or at least four fluid modules, at least one of which is as described above and connected to one another by at least one side pipe. If the device comprises two or more assemblies, each of these assemblies can be connected by fluid pipes to all of the assemblies, or to some of them, or to one single other assembly.

[0104] In some embodiments, all fluid modules of a device connected to each other by at least one fluid pipe are fluid modules as described above, and / or all assemblies of a device connected to each other by at least one fluid pipe are assemblies as described above.

[0105] The lateral fluid pipes of the device (or specific ones) may be parallel to each other and / or intersect each other.

[0106] The lateral fluid pipes may be made of plastic materials such as polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), silicone polymer, polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), and / or polysulfone (PSU), and / or metals such as stainless steel.

[0107] Lateral fluid pipes may be connected to the fluid access port of the fluid module by clamps, flanges, screw connections, or quick connections. The term “quick connection” is understood to refer to a connection achieved without the use of tools by inserting the fluid pipe into the orifice of the fluid access port (e.g., the orifice of the connector of the fluid access port).

[0108] Purpose The present invention also relates to a separation system (e.g., a chromatography system) comprising at least one fluid module as described above, or at least one assembly of the fluid modules as described above, or at least one device as described above, and a separation device such as a chromatography column. Alternatively or additionally, the separation device may be a filtration device such as a cross-flow filtration device or a dead-end filtration device.

[0109] The present invention also relates to the use of the above-described fluid modules, or assemblies of the above-described fluid modules, or the above-described devices for transporting fluids in biomolecular purification equipment, particularly in chromatographic purification.

[0110] The present invention also relates to a fluid transport method for transporting fluids within a biomolecular purification facility, particularly for chromatographic purification, and this method is —To provide the fluid module described above, or an assembly of the fluid module described above, or the device described above, —This comprises circulating the fluid within the fluid module, or its assembly, or its device.

[0111] Preferably, the biomolecule are selected from the group consisting of proteins and antibodies.

[0112] Fluid module with two side lines and assembly In a more specific embodiment, the present invention also, —A first surface configured to be assembled by contacting the surface of another fluid module block, —One single central conduit opening to the first surface, or multiple disconnected central conduits opening to the first surface, —A first side line connected to the central conduit or one of a plurality of central conduits, having at least one fluid access port on the second face of the block, wherein the fluid access port is either a fluid inlet or a fluid outlet, A fluid module comprising a block including at least one second side line, which is connected to a central conduit or one of a plurality of central conduits (identical or different from the conduit to which the first side line is connected) and has at least one fluid access port, wherein the fluid access port is either a fluid inlet or a fluid outlet, on the face of the block, The fluid module also relates to a fluid module further comprising a first closing member configured to close or open at least one first side line, and a second closing member, unlike the first closing member, configured to close or open at least one second side line.

[0113] In the fluid module described above, the first and second closing members may be attached to the faces of the block, and the second closing member may be attached to a different face from the face to which the first closing member is attached, preferably the face opposite to the face to which the first closing member is attached.

[0114] In the fluid module described above, the first siding is at least, —A first lateral conduit connected to the central conduit or one of the multiple central conduits, having an opening on the third face of the block, —including a second lateral conduit having an opening on its third surface and at least an opening on the second surface of the block that forms a fluid access port, The first closing member may be configured to close or open the opening of the first lateral conduit on the third surface and / or the opening of the second lateral conduit on the third surface.

[0115] In the fluid module described above, the first surface may be a plane.

[0116] In the fluid module described above, the central conduit or at least one of the multiple central conduits may open to penetrate a fourth surface, which is a surface different from the first surface of the block, preferably the surface opposite to the first surface.

[0117] In the fluid module described above, the fourth face of the block may be configured to be assembled in contact with the face of another fluid module block, and preferably the fourth face is planar.

[0118] In the fluid module described above, the central conduit or at least one of the multiple central conduits may not open to the face of the block and may be non-penetrating.

[0119] In the fluid module described above, the face of the block containing the fluid access port of at least one second sideline may be the same face of the block containing the fluid access port of at least one first sideline (the second face of the block), or it may be the face opposite to the face containing the fluid access port of at least one first sideline (the fifth face of the block).

[0120] In the fluid module described above, the second siding is at least, —A first lateral conduit connected to a central conduit or one of several central conduits, having an opening on the sixth face of the block, —Includes a second lateral conduit having one opening on its sixth face and at least one opening on one face of the block (preferably the second or fifth face), the opening of which forms a fluid access port, The second closing member may be configured to close or open the opening of the first lateral conduit on the sixth surface and / or the opening of the second lateral conduit on the sixth surface.

[0121] In the fluid module described above, the first closing member configured to close or open at least one first side line may be a valve occluder, and / or the second closing member configured to close or open at least one second side line may be a valve occluder, preferably each side line can be closed or opened independently by the valve.

[0122] In the fluid module described above, one or more valves can be selected from the group consisting of pinch valves, needle valves, ball valves, flap gate valves, and diaphragm valves, with diaphragm valves being preferred.

[0123] In the fluid module described above, the block may be of the disposable type, and more preferably, the block and closing member are of the disposable type.

[0124] The fluid module described above may include at least one sensor and / or one transmitter inserted into the block of the fluid module.

[0125] The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising at least one of the fluid modules described above, wherein the first surface is assembled with the surface of a block of another fluid module by contact between the two surfaces.

[0126] The assembly described above may include 2 to 20 fluid modules.

[0127] In the assembly described above, a seal may exist between the faces of the blocks assembled by contact.

[0128] In the assembly described above, the fluid module may be assembled by at least one tie rod, preferably at least two tie rods, and more preferably three tie rods, that traverse the block of the fluid module.

[0129] In the assembly described above, at least one fluid module may be assembled to the end plate by contact between the end plate and the face of the fluid module block.

[0130] The present invention also relates to a device comprising at least one fluid module as described above, wherein at least one fluid access port on a side line is connected to a side fluid pipe, and preferably the fluid module is included in the assembly described above.

[0131] In the device described above, the lateral fluid tube is preferably connected to another fluid module, more preferably to a fluid module included in an assembly of fluid modules, and more preferably to a fluid module included in the aforementioned assembly.

[0132] The present invention also relates to a separation apparatus, preferably for chromatographic separation, which includes at least one separation device, preferably connected to a chromatography column, as described above.

[0133] The present invention also relates to the use of the above-described fluid modules, assemblies, or devices for the transport of fluids in biomolecular purification equipment, particularly for chromatographic purification.

[0134] The present invention also relates to a fluid transport method for transporting fluids within a biomolecular purification facility, particularly for chromatographic purification, —To provide the fluid module, assembly, or device described above, —This also relates to the circulation of the fluid within the fluid module, or its assembly, or its device, and the methods thereof.

[0135] All of the information described in other sections of this specification may be applicable to the fluid modules, assemblies, devices, installations, uses, and methods described in this section. In particular, the fluid modules, assemblies, devices, installations, uses, and methods described in this section may have other features described in other sections of this specification.

[0136] example Examples of fluid modules, assemblies, devices, and equipment according to the present invention are shown in Figures 1 to 12. These examples illustrate the present invention and are not limiting.

[0137] Figures 1 and 2 show an exemplary assembly of five fluid modules assembled together facing each other. This assembly comprises three fluid modules 10 having two side lines (identical in this example), one fluid module 20 having one side line, and one central valve fluid module 30. Each fluid module comprises a block 1, preferably having a parallelepiped shape. The fluid module 10 having two side lines includes a central conduit 2 that passes through the block 1 from a first face 11 to a fourth face 14 (opposite the first face 11). The central conduit 2 is connected to a first side line that includes a first lateral conduit 3 opening to a third face 13, and a second lateral conduit 4 connecting the third face 13 of the block 1 to a second face 12 and forming a fluid access port 5. The fluid module 10 includes a second side line comprising a first side conduit connected to a central conduit 2 and opening on the sixth face 16 of block 1 (opposite the third face 13), and a second side conduit connecting the sixth face 16 of block 1 to the second face 12, where it forms a fluid access port. The fluid module 10 also includes two valves 28, respectively, located on the third face 13 and the sixth face 16 of block 1, and functioning as means for opening and closing the first side line and the second side line, respectively. Each valve 28 comprises a diaphragm 6 covering the openings on the third face 13 and the sixth face 16 of the first and second side conduits of the side line, and an actuator 7 that allows the diaphragm 6 to be pressed against its opening, thereby closing the side conduit or removing the diaphragm 6 from its opening to allow fluid to pass between the first and second side conduits.

[0138] A fluid module 20 having one side line includes, within its block 1, a central conduit 2 to which a single side line is connected, including a first side conduit 3 that penetrates the block 1 of the module from a first face to a fourth face and is connected to a central conduit 2 and opens to a third face, and a second side conduit 4 that has an opening on the third face and an opening on the second face that forms a fluid access port 5. A diaphragm valve is present which can close or open the side line by blocking the openings of the first side conduit 3 and the second side conduit 4 on the third face or by releasing the block.

[0139] The central valve fluid module 30 comprises, within its block, a non-penetrating first central conduit 32 to which a first lateral conduit 34 beginning on a first surface and opening on a third surface of the block is connected, and a non-penetrating second central conduit 33 to which a second lateral conduit 35 beginning on a fourth surface (opposite the first surface) and opening on a third surface of the block is connected. The fluid module 30 comprises a diaphragm valve that allows the openings of the first lateral conduit 34 and the second lateral conduit 35 on the third surface to be closed in order to prevent the passage of fluid between the first lateral conduit 34 and the second lateral conduit 35, or to release the blockage of the openings to allow the passage of fluid between the first lateral conduit 34 and the second lateral conduit 35.

[0140] The opening of the central conduit 2 on the first face 11 of each block faces the opening of the central conduit 2 on the fourth face 14 of the adjacent block (if any), and the central conduit 2 is in fluid communication with it. A seal 8, preferably a clamp seal, is present around the opening of the central conduit 2 between the faces of the assembled blocks to ensure the airtightness of the assembly. The blocks are held in place integrally by using three tie rods 9 that cross each block from the first face 11 to the fourth face 14 of the blocks. As shown in Figure 2, the tie rods 9 are preferably parallel to the central conduit of the block and arranged in a triangular configuration, with the central conduit positioned between the tie rods 9.

[0141] In Figure 1, the valve of the central valve fluid module 30 is shown in the open position, the left valve of fluid module 10 is shown at the bottom of the assembly, and the right valve of fluid module 10 is shown at the top of the assembly. Another valve is shown in the closed position. The trajectory of the fluid circulating within the assembly is represented by gray arrows.

[0142] Figure 3 shows a fluid module 40 having two side lines included in the assembly. Block 1 of the fluid module 40 has an essentially cylindrical shape. The first face 11 and the fourth face 14 (not shown) are preferably planar and perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder. Preferably, the cross section of the cylinder includes a curved surface and two planar surfaces 13, 16 (corresponding to the third and sixth faces). The fluid module 40 is assembled with another fluid module of the assembly by two tie rods 9 preferably parallel to the central conduit 2, more preferably the cross sections of the two tie rods 9 are aligned with the cross section of the central conduit, and even more preferably equidistant from the central conduit.

[0143] Figure 4 shows a fluid module 50 having four side conduits. Each of the four side conduits is connected to a central conduit 2 and includes a fluid access port 5 at the other end. They each have a first side conduit and a second side conduit, and can be opened or closed by an independent valve (in this case, a diaphragm valve).

[0144] Figure 5 shows a fluid module 60 having two side lines that can be independently opened or closed by a valve such as a diaphragm valve. The fluid module 60 further comprises a pH sensor 18 and a conductivity sensor 19 inserted into block 1 of the fluid module 60, and these two sensors are configured to perform measurements of the fluid flowing in the central conduit 2.

[0145] Figure 6 shows a fluid module 70 having four side lines. Each side line may be independently opened and closed by a valve having an actuator 7 and a closure device 21 that penetrates the lateral conduit of each side line or the interior of two lateral conduits. The valve may be, for example, a needle valve or a flap gate valve. The fluid module 70 shown in Figure 6 has a tulip connector 17 at one of the openings of the central conduit 2.

[0146] Figure 7 shows the fluid module 70 as shown in Figure 6, with the removable actuator 7 removed from the occluder 21 which remains inserted into block 1. Thus, block 1 and valve occluder 21 of module 70 are disposable and can be replaced after use, while the valve actuator 7 is reusable and can be mounted in a new block with a new occluder after the module has been used.

[0147] Figure 8 shows a fluid module 80 having two central conduits 2, each connected by two side lines. Each side line includes a first side conduit and a second side conduit having a fluid access port. Each of the four side lines may be closed or opened by a valve, such as a needle valve or a flap gate valve. In this example, a tulip connector 17 is present at one of the openings of each of the two central conduits 2, the openings of which lie on the same plane of block 1.

[0148] Figure 9 shows an assembly of fluid modules, where the first and last fluid modules are assembled with end plates 22, preferably through a contact assembly between surfaces. The fluid modules and end plates are assembled together by tie rods that cross them, with nuts 23 screwed into the ends of the tie rods that fasten to the end plates 22.

[0149] Figure 10 shows an assembly of a fluid module, which is assembled with two end plates 22 by utilizing an external structure, which in this example is a wing nut 24, allowing the module and the end plates to be securely clamped to each other. In this embodiment, the assembly preferably comprises one or more tie rods, with wing nuts 24 screwed into the ends.

[0150] Figure 11 represents a device comprising three fluid modules 90, which may be identical or different (in this example, they are identical). In this example, each fluid module 90 has at least two fluid access ports 5 to which lateral fluid tubes 25 are connected, and two fluid modules can be connected to each other. In the example of the device shown in Figure 11, the three fluid modules each have a non-penetrating central conduit connected at its non-penetrating end to two side lines, each having a first lateral conduit and a second lateral conduit that open to the third face 13 and the sixth face 16 of block 1 of the fluid module 90. The second lateral conduit of each side line each comprises a first conduit portion 26 starting from the third face 13 and the sixth face 16, and a second conduit portion 27 connected to the first conduit portion 26 at an intermediate position between its ends, preferably. The second portion 27 includes an opening on the second surface 12 of block 1 that forms the first fluid access port 5, and a second opening on the fifth surface 15 of block 1 that forms the second fluid access port 5. The fluid modules 90 may be included in an assembly of fluid modules, either independently or in whole (preferably, multiple fluid modules are assembled facing each other), and therefore, the fluid modules 90 are preferably at one end of the assembly.

[0151] Figure 12 shows a chromatography setup including two chromatography modules 200 and 201, each containing a valve block (enclosed within a black rectangle in the second chromatography module 201), which may be an assembly of fluid modules as described above. Chromatography modules 200 and 201 each include a chromatography column (not shown) with a fluid inlet 202 and a fluid outlet 203. The fluid module assemblies may also include a valve 28 and sensors such as a pH sensor 18 and a conductivity sensor 19. The fluid module assemblies of the chromatography modules may be interconnected by lateral fluid tubes 25 connected to the fluid access ports 5 of the fluid modules in the assemblies. Some fluid access ports 5 of the fluid modules may be connected to supply tubes 204, and some fluid access ports 5 of the fluid modules may be connected to discharge tubes 205. The fluid outlet 55 of the fluid module assembly of chromatography module 200 may be connected to the fluid inlet 56 of the fluid module assembly of another chromatography module 201. Depending on the position (open or closed) of the valves of the fluid modules, the columns of the two chromatography modules 200 and 201 may be in series or in parallel. Furthermore, in each chromatography module 200 and 201, depending on the position (open or closed) of the valves of the fluid modules of the fluid module assembly 100 connected to the fluid inlet 202 and fluid outlet 203 of the chromatography column, the chromatography column may be online or bypassed, for example.

Claims

1. The first fluid module (10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90), A first surface (11) configured to be assembled by contacting the surface of another fluid module block, A single central conduit (2) or a plurality of central conduits (2) opening to the first surface (11), wherein at least one of the central conduits (2) or the plurality of central conduits (2) of the first fluid module (10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) opens onto a fourth surface (14) of the block (1) opposite the first surface (11), A block (1) comprises: a block (1) connected to the central conduit (2) or one of the plurality of central conduits (2), and having at least one side line on a second face (12) of the block (1) that is not opposite the first face (11), wherein the fluid access port (5) is either a fluid inlet or a fluid outlet; A first fluid module (10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) further comprises a first closing member configured to close or open at least one side line, The second fluid module (30) is, A first surface configured to be assembled by contacting one of the surfaces of another fluid module block, which are the second, third, and fourth surfaces, A first central conduit (32) having one end that opens to the first surface and the other end that does not open to the surface of the block, A first lateral conduit (34) is connected to the first central conduit (32) and has an opening on the third face of the block, A second central conduit (33) has one end that opens to the fourth surface and the other end that does not open to the surface of the block, The block (1) comprises a second lateral conduit (35) connected to the second central conduit (33) and having an opening on the third face of the block, The second fluid module (30) further comprises a second closing member configured to close or open the opening of the first lateral conduit (34) on the third surface and / or the opening of the second lateral conduit (35) on the third surface, It has at least the following features: Each of the first and second fluid modules (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) has a first surface (11) which is assembled with a surface of block (1) of another fluid module (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) by contact between the two surfaces. An assembly (100) in which at least one of the central conduits (2) of the first fluid modules (10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) opening onto the fourth surface is aligned with the first central conduit and one of the second central conduits of the second fluid module (30).

2. The side lines of the first fluid module (10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) are, A first lateral conduit (3) is connected to the central conduit (2) or one of the plurality of central conduits (2) and has an opening on the third surface (13) of the block (1), The second lateral conduit (4) having an opening on the third surface (13) of the block (1) and at least one opening on the second surface (12) of the block (1), forming the fluid access port (5), The assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first closing member is configured to close or open the opening of the first lateral conduit (3) on the third surface (13) and / or the opening of the second lateral conduit (4) on the third surface (13).

3. The assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the first fluid modules (10, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) is connected to the central conduit (2) or one of the plurality of central conduits (2), which may be the same or different, and has a fluid access port (5) on the second face (12) of the block (1) that is not opposite to the first face (11), and includes at least two side wires, which may be the same or different, and the first fluid module (10, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) comprises a closing member configured to close or open each of the at least two side wires.

4. The assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first surface (11) of the first fluid module and the second fluid module is planar.

5. The assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fourth surface of the second fluid module (30) is configured to be assembled by contacting the surface of another fluid module block.

6. The assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fourth surface (14) of the block (1) of the first fluid module (10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) is configured to be assembled by contacting the surface of another fluid module block.

7. The assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first closing member configured to close or open the first fluid module (10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) is a closure member (21, 6) of a valve (28).

8. The assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second closing member of the second fluid module (30) is a valve (28) closure device (21, 6).

9. The assembly (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the one or more valves (28) are selected from the group consisting of pinch valves, needle valves, ball valves, flap gate valves, and diaphragm valves.

10. The assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the first and second fluid modules (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) of the block (1) is of the disposable type.

11. The assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first fluid module (60) includes at least one sensor (18, 19) and / or one transmitter inserted into the block (1) of the fluid module (60).

12. An assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising 2 to 20 fluid modules (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90).

13. The assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a seal (8) exists between the faces of the block (1) assembled by contact.

14. The assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the fluid modules (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) are assembled by at least one tie rod (9) passing through the block (1) of the fluid modules (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90).

15. The assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one fluid module (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) is assembled to an end plate (22), the assembly being made by contact between the end plate (22) and the surfaces of the fluid module (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) on the block (1).

16. A device comprising at least one assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the fluid access port (5) of the side line of the first fluid module (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) is connected to a side fluid pipe (25).

17. A separation apparatus comprising the device according to claim 16, connected to at least one separation device.

18. Use of the assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or the device according to claim 16, for transporting fluids in a biomolecule purification facility.

19. For the transport of fluids within a biomolecular purification facility, To provide an assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or a device according to claim 16, The system comprises circulating the fluid within the assembly (100) or device, Fluid transport method.

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