Devices, systems, and method for quick coupling of a liquid degassing module to an instrument

Abstract

A liquid degassing system includes a liquid degassing module and a carrier module. The liquid degassing module includes a fluid outlet port, a fluid inlet port, and a permeate port fluidically connected to a vacuum source. The carrier module includes a main body having one or more walls. A flexible biased member extends from the main body of the carrier module. The liquid degassing module is at least partially received within the main body of the carrier module.

Description

Docket No.8359.005PCT1 DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHOD FOR QUICK COUPLING OF A LIQUID DEGASSING MODULE TO AN INSTRUMENT TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to liquid degassing and, in particular, to a liquid degassing module with quick connect / disconnect operation for coupling / decoupling to an instrument (e.g., a liquid chromatograph and / or mass spectrometer). BACKGROUND

[0002] Liquid degassing can be used in a variety of fields and industries, including for example, analysis or production of chemical compounds (e.g., a liquid chromatograph and / or mass spectrometer system) and / or analysis or production of biologic compounds (aseptic sampling device). A liquid degassing module may be used, which includes a liquid inlet port fluidly communicating with a liquid outlet port via a flow chamber, and a gas- permeable, liquid impermeable membrane separating the flow chamber from a permeate portion (or selection portion). The permeate portion is fluidically coupled to a vacuum source, which pulls gas / air from the liquid flow chamber, through the membrane, to the permeate portion. Liquid degassing modules have a limited lifespan, and therefore, need to be decoupled from the system, and a replacement degassing module must be coupled to the system. The replacement of liquid degassing modules on an instrument (e.g., an aseptic sampling device, a liquid chromatograph, and / or mass spectrometer) is a time consuming procedure, requiring fluid lines to be disconnected and untangled, the degassing module to be decoupled from the instrument (e.g., via threaded fasteners), and a replacement degassing module to be coupled to the instrument. Replacement of the liquid degassing modules may introduce opportunity for human error into the system, e.g., fluid lines may be tangled, the degassing module may be improperly seated within the system, placing stress on the fluid lines and / or ports, etc.Docket No.8359.005PCT1 SUMMARY

[0003] According to one aspect, a liquid degassing system includes a liquid degassing module and a carrier module. The liquid degassing module includes a fluid outlet port, a fluid inlet port, and a permeate port fluidically connected to a vacuum source. The carrier module includes a main body having one or more walls. A flexible biased member extends from the main body of the carrier module. The liquid degassing module is at least partially received within the main body of the carrier module.

[0004] According to another aspect a method for coupling a liquid degassing module to an instrument. A carrier module is secured to the liquid degassing module. The carrier module includes a main body having one or more walls and a flexible biased member extending from the main body. The carrier module is slid into a housing dock. The housing dock includes a tab which engages the flexible biased member to lock the carrier module into the housing dock. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG.1A is an isometric view of a liquid degassing module and carrier module securable to an instrument, according to some embodiments.

[0006] FIG.1B is a front view of a plurality of liquid degassing modules secured to an instrument, according to some embodiments.

[0007] FIG.2A is an isometric side view of a liquid degassing module and carrier module, according to some embodiments.

[0008] FIG.2B is an isometric front view of a liquid degassing module and carrier module, according to some embodiments.

[0009] FIG.2C is an isometric side view of a liquid degassing module received within a carrier module, according to some embodiments.

[0010] FIG.2D is an isometric side view of a liquid degassing module and carrier module, according to some embodiments.

[0011] FIG.3A is a side view of a liquid degassing module and carrier module, according to some embodiments.Docket No.8359.005PCT1

[0012] FIG.3B is an isometric side view of a liquid degassing module and carrier module, according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG.4 is a flow chart of a method for decoupling a liquid degassing module from an instrument, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The present disclosure describes a liquid degassing module with quick connect / disconnect operation for coupling / decoupling to an instrument (e.g., an aeseptic sampling device, a liquid chromatograph, and / or mass spectrometer). The liquid degassing module is secured to a carrier module. The carrier module includes one or more flexible biased members, or clips, extending from the body of the carrier module. The liquid degassing module and the carrier module are configured to be at least partially received within a housing dock of an instrument. The one or more flexible biased members of the carrier module engage the housing dock to removably secure the carrier module to the instrument.

[0015] FIG.1A is an isometric view of a liquid degassing module 100 and carrier module 120 securable to an instrument 140, according to some embodiments. The liquid degassing module 100 includes a fluid inlet port 106, a fluid outlet port 102 coupled with a fluid outlet line 110, and a permeate port 104 coupled to a vacuum pressure line 112. The vacuum pressure line 112 includes an air filter 114 and a quick disconnect port 116, according to some embodiments. The instrument 140 includes one or more housing docks 142 to at least partially receive the liquid degassing module 100 and / or the carrier module 120. The instrument 140 includes a fluid port 144 to couple with the fluid outlet line 110 and a vacuum port 146 to couple with the vacuum pressure line 112. In some embodiments, the liquid degassing module 100 includes a gas-permeable, liquid impermeable membrane. The liquid degassing module 100 includes a flat membrane and / or a tube membrane, according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG.1B is a front view of a plurality of liquid degassing modules secured to the instrument 140, according to some embodiments. For instance, FIG.1B shows threeDocket No.8359.005PCT1 liquid degassing modules 100a, 100b, 100c secured to the instrument 140, and an additional housing dock 142 configured to receive another liquid degassing module 100. The one or more housing docks 142 and / or the instrument 140 includes a slot 148 to allow the vacuum pressure line 112 to pass through, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the slot 148 is tapered to engage the vacuum pressure line 112 such that the quick disconnect port 116 is positioned adjacent to a front wall of the instrument 140.

[0017] In some embodiments, the instrument 140 is a liquid chromatograph, a mass spectrometer, or a combined liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer. In some embodiments, the instrument 140 can include any chemical and / or biological analysis system that utilizes a liquid degasser to remove gas from liquid. In some embodiments, the one or more housing docks 142 are removably secured to the instrument 140. The carrier module 120 and the liquid degassing module 100 are at least partially received within the one or more housing docks 142, for instance, via sliding carrier module 120 and / or liquid degassing module 100 into the one or more housing docks 142. The vacuum pressure line 112 can be secured to the liquid degassing module 100 prior to insertion into the one or more housing docks 142, as the slot 148 allows the vacuum pressure line 112 to pass through the one or more housing docks 142 without kinking or stressing the vacuum pressure line 112. In some embodiments, one or more of the vacuum port 146, the air filter 114, the slot 148, the fluid inlet port 106, the fluid outlet port 102, the fluid outlet line 110 and the fluid port 144 are positioned vertically in-line with one another to minimize tangles and simplify coupling and decoupling of components. This is beneficial when a plurality of liquid degassing modules are used on the instrument 140, as intersecting fluid lines, gas lines, filters, or ports can introduce errors / inefficiency in coupling and decoupling the various liquid degassers.

[0018] FIG.2A is an isometric side view of the liquid degassing module 100, the carrier module 120, and the housing dock 142, according to some embodiments. The carrier module 120 includes a flexible biased member 256 with an ergonomic portion 254. The flexible biased member 256 includes a detent 260 and a stop surface 262. The carrierDocket No.8359.005PCT1 module 120 is secured to the liquid degassing module 100 via a fastener 252 (e.g., a threaded fastener). The one or more housing docks 142 includes a first tab 250 and a second tab 258.

[0019] In some embodiments, the flexible biased member 256 extends from a hinge 257 of the carrier module 120 and are biased to deflect away from the carrier module 120 (see e.g., FIGS.3A-B). The first tab 250 is configured to engage the flexible biased member 256 and urge the flexible biased member 256 about a hinge axis 259 toward the carrier module 120. In a fully seated position, the first tab 250 engages the detent 260 to prevent the carrier module 120 from sliding out of the one or more housing docks 142. The stop surface 262 engages the first tab 250 to prevent the carrier module 120 from being over- inserted into the one or more housing docks 142, and thus, the interface between the detent 260, the first tab 250 and the stop surface 262 ensures proper positioning of the carrier module 120 and the liquid degassing module 100, according to some embodiments. The second tab 258 engages the detent 260 and the stop surface 262 to ensure proper positioning of the carrier module 120.

[0020] In some embodiments, to release the first tab 250 from the detent 260, and thereby allow the carrier module 120 to be removed from the one or more housing docks 142, the flexible biased member 256 is urged about the hinge axis 259 toward the liquid degassing module 100. For instance, a user may engage the ergonomic portion 254 of the flexible biased member 256 and flex the flexible biased member 256 about the hinge axis 259 toward the liquid degassing module 100. In embodiments where the carrier module 120 includes two of the flexible biased members 256, the user can urge the two flexible biased members 256 about respective hinge axes 259 toward each other and thereafter pull the carrier module 120 from the respective housing dock 142.

[0021] FIG.2B is an isometric front view of the liquid degassing module 100, the carrier module 120, and the one or more housing docks 142, according to some embodiments. The carrier module 120 includes a strengthening rib 264 on an outer surface of the carrier module 120, adjacent to the hinge 257 for the flexible biased member 256 to provide structural strength to the flexible biased member 256 and / or ensure proper alignment ofDocket No.8359.005PCT1 the carrier module 120 within the one or more housing docks 142. The strengthening rib 264 may, in some embodiments, engage a channel or other feature within the respective housing dock 142 to ensure proper positioning. An alignment ridge 265 is located at one of the flexible biased members 256, and is configured for reception through slot 148 in order to properly align liquid degassing module 100 with the respective housing dock 142. In embodiments in which the slot 148 is only located at second tab 258, and not at first tab 250, alignment ridge 265 prevents liquid degassing module from being inserted in an inverted orientation. In particular, in some embodiments, alignment ridge 265 must coordinate with the slot 148 in order to permit insertion of the carrier module into the respective housing dock 142.

[0022] In some embodiments, the slot 148 extends through the second tab 258 and the one or more housing docks 142 to allow the vacuum pressure line 112 to be inserted through the one or more housing docks 142. The width of the slot 148 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the vacuum pressure line 112, according to some embodiments.

[0023] FIG.2C is an isometric side view of the liquid degassing module 100 received within the one or more housing docks 142, according to some embodiments. The liquid degassing module 100 and the carrier module 120 are in a fully seated position, with the detent 260 and the stop surface 262 engaging the first tab 250 and second tab 258. The ergonomic portion 254 is not fully received within the one or more housing docks 142, and thus, are accessible to the user. In some embodiments, the ergonomic portion 254 include a flared-shape to provide a surface for the user to pull on, i.e., to pull out from the one or more housing docks 142.

[0024] FIG.2D is an isometric side view of the liquid degassing module 100 and the carrier module 120, according to some embodiments. The permeate port 104 of the liquid degassing module 100 is coupled to a direct air filter 266, according to some embodiments. The direct air filter 266 is configured to directly couple to a vacuum source located inside of or adjacent to the one or more housing docks 142, according to some embodiments. The direct air filter 266 does not require fluid lines or tubing, i.e., does notDocket No.8359.005PCT1 require the vacuum pressure line 112, and thereby removes the opportunity for tangles to occur, according to some embodiments.

[0025] FIG.3A is a side view of the liquid degassing module 100 and the carrier module 120, according to some embodiments. The carrier module 120 includes a main body 381 having one or more walls, such as a back plate 380, a first wall 382, a second wall 376, and a third wall 378. The first wall 382 includes a first receptacle 370 and a second receptacle 372 configured to receive the fluid outlet port 102 and the fluid inlet port 106, respectively, therethrough. The flexible biased member 256 includes an alignment rib 265 configured to align the carrier module 120 within the one or more housing docks 142, according to some embodiments, such as by insertion through slot 148.

[0026] FIG.3B is an isometric side view of the liquid degassing module 100 and the carrier module 120, according to some embodiments. The first wall 382 of the carrier module 120 includes an aperture 386 configured to align with a threaded hole 390 disposed on the liquid degassing module 100, in some embodiments. The second wall 376 and the third wall 378 include one or more detents 384 configured to engage the liquid degassing module 100 to hold the liquid degassing module 100 in-place relative to the back plate 380 of the carrier module 120. The back plate 380 includes one or more ribs 388 to align the carrier module 120 with the liquid degassing module 100, according to some embodiments.

[0027] The liquid degassing module 100 is at least partially received within the carrier module 120. For instance, the back plate 380, the first wall 382, the second wall 376, and the third wall 378 at least partially surround the liquid degassing module 100, according to some embodiments. The liquid degassing module 100 is received within the main body 381 of the carrier module 120 via a sliding motion, i.e., the end of the liquid degassing module 100 with the fluid outlet port 102 and the fluid inlet port 106 is slid forward toward the first wall 382 of the carrier module 120. In some embodiments, the one or more ribs 388 on the back plate 380 engage the liquid degassing module 100 and / or the second wall 376 and the third wall 378 engage the liquid degassing module 100 to properly align the liquid degassing module 100 relative to the carrier module 120. ProperDocket No.8359.005PCT1 alignment and seating depth will ensure that the fluid outlet port 102 is received through the first receptacle 370, the fluid inlet port 106 is received through the second receptacle 372, and / or the aperture 386 is aligned with the threaded hole 390. The one or more detents 384 limit displacement of the liquid degassing module 100 from the back plate 380 of the carrier module 120 to ensure proper alignment, according to some embodiments. The flexible biased member 256 extends outward from the main body 381, e.g., from the second wall 376 and / or the third wall 378, at respective hinges 257. The flexible biased member 256 are biased to deflect away from the main body 381, according to some embodiments.

[0028] In some embodiments, a single threaded fastener (i.e., the fastener 252) secures the carrier module 120 to the liquid degassing module 100. In such embodiments, the liquid degassing module 100 can be quickly and efficiently removed from the carrier module 120 via removing the single threaded fastener and sliding the liquid degassing module 100 out of the carrier module 120. In some embodiments, a plurality of removable fasteners secure the carrier module 120 to the liquid degassing module 100. In other embodiments, no fasteners are required to secure the carrier module 120 to the liquid degassing module 100.

[0029] In some embodiments, the carrier module 120 surrounds the liquid degassing module 100 on at least two sides, i.e., two or more of the back plate 380, the first wall 382, the second wall 376, the third wall 378, and the one or more detents 384. In some embodiments, a secondary element or feature (not shown) can be secured to the carrier module 120 after the liquid degassing module 100 is received therein to encapsulate, or partially encapsulate, the liquid degassing module 100.

[0030] FIG.4 is a flow chart of a method 400 for decoupling a liquid degassing module from an instrument, according to some embodiments. At step 410, the method 400 includes receiving a liquid degassing module within a main body of a carrier module. In some embodiments, the liquid degassing module includes any and / or all features of the liquid degassing module 100 and the carrier module includes any and / or all features of the carrier module 120 discussed above in reference to FIGS.1-3B. At step 420, theDocket No.8359.005PCT1 method 400 includes securing the carrier module 120 to the liquid degassing module 100. At step 430, the method 400 includes sliding the carrier module 120 into a housing dock. The housing dock may include any and / or all features of the one or more housing docks 142 discussed above in reference to FIGS.1-3B.

[0031] While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Docket No.8359.005PCT1 CLAIMS:

1. A liquid degassing system, comprising: a liquid degassing module, including: a degassing chamber, a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane separating the degassing chamber into a permeate side and a retentate side, a fluid outlet port opening to the retentate side of the degassing chamber, a fluid inlet port opening to the retentate side of the degassing chamber, and a permeate port opening to the permeate side of the degassing chamber and being fluidically connectable to a vacuum source; and a carrier module, including: a main body having one or more walls, and a flexible biased member extending from the main body, wherein the liquid degassing module is at least partially received within the main body of the carrier module.

2. The liquid degassing system of claim 1, wherein the main body of the carrier module includes a first wall having a first receptacle and a second receptacle, wherein the fluid outlet port and the fluid inlet port of the liquid degassing module are received through the first receptacle and the second receptacle, respectively.

3. The liquid degassing system of claim 1, further comprising: a housing dock, wherein the liquid degassing module and the carrier module are receivable within the housing dock.Docket No.8359.005PCT1 4. The liquid degassing system of claim 3, wherein the housing dock includes a tab, wherein, when the carrier module is received within the housing dock, the flexible biased member engages the tab to lock the carrier module into the housing dock.

5. The liquid degassing system of claim 3, wherein the housing dock includes a slot, wherein a fluid line secured to the liquid degassing module is received through the slot when the carrier module is received within the housing dock.

6. The liquid degassing system of claim 3, further comprising: an instrument, wherein the housing dock is coupled to the instrument.

7. The liquid degassing system of claim 1, wherein the main body of the carrier module is configured to surround the liquid degassing module on at least three sides, and includes an aperture to receive a fastener therethrough to removably secure the liquid degassing module to the carrier module.

8. A method for coupling a liquid degassing module to an instrument, the method comprising: securing a carrier module to the liquid degassing module, the carrier module including a main body having one or more walls, and a first flexible biased member extending from the main body; and sliding the carrier module into a housing dock, wherein the housing dock includes a tab which engages the flexible biased member to lock the carrier module into the housing dock.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving the liquid degassing module within a cavity defined by the main body of the carrier module such that the carrier module at least partially surrounds the liquid degassing module.Docket No.8359.005PCT1 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the liquid degassing module includes a fluid outlet port, a fluid inlet port, and a permeate port fluidically connected to a vacuum source.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the main body of the carrier module includes a first wall having a first receptacle and a second receptacle, wherein the fluid outlet port and the fluid inlet port of the liquid degassing module are received through the first receptacle and the second receptacle, respectively.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the housing dock includes a slot, wherein a vacuum pressure line coupled to the permeate port is slid through the slot while inserting the carrier module into the housing dock.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first flexible biased member includes a first protrusion that engages with the tab to lock the carrier module within the housing dock.

14. The method of claim13, wherein the carrier module includes a second flexible biased member that includes a second protrusion, wherein the second protrusion slides through the slot when the carrier module is inserted into the housing dock.

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