Universal Sensor Fitting With Integrated Housings for Sterile Tubing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid measurement devices, such as stainless steel pressure transmitters, are bulky and intrusive in lightweight flexible tubing applications, and maintaining a sterile environment during fluid handling processes is challenging, especially in biotechnology and chemistry, where microbial contamination must be minimized.
Innovation Solution
A universal fitting with integrated sensor housings and apertures for receiving sensor assemblies, allowing for in-line fluid measurement of multiple characteristics, such as pressure, temperature, and flow rate, while being lightweight and adaptable to various applications, using materials suitable for sterilization and minimizing contamination risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional stainless steel pressure transmitters are used for fluid measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but the device becomes bulky and intrusive in lightweight flexible tubing applications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the measurement system into separate components: a lightweight fitting integrated into the flexible tubing and a separate sensor assembly that can be attached as needed. This segmentation allows the tubing to remain lightweight and flexible while providing measurement capability when required, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and device bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting is designed with universal features including sensor housings that can accommodate multiple types of sensors (pressure, temperature, flow rate), making it adaptable to various measurement needs. This multi-functionality provides comprehensive measurement capability without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby avoiding increased bulk and weight.
2Reliability
If sterilization is required for critical processes, then microbial contamination is minimized, but single-use process components are not compatible with moist heat sterilization temperatures requiring separate sterilization of sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sensor housing with the disposable fitting, creating an integrated assembly where both the sensor mounting structure and the fluid pathway components are designed to be sterilized together. This integration eliminates the need for separate sterilization processes for different components, reducing complexity while maintaining contamination control.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting and sensor housing are designed with material and structural parameters that enable compatibility with moist heat sterilization temperatures. By changing the material parameters to withstand autoclaving conditions, the system allows for unified sterilization of all components together, simplifying the sterilization process while ensuring microbial contamination control.
3Measurement precision
If a pressure measurement device with sanitary fitting flange is used, then measurement capability is provided, but it becomes cumbersome to connect to process stream with small inner diameter tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a nested structure where the sensor housing is integrated within or directly attached to the fitting body, and the entire assembly connects to small-diameter tubing through appropriately sized ports. This nested design eliminates the need for separate sanitary flange connections, making it easy to connect to small tubing while maintaining measurement capability.
4Reliability
If critical cleaning is required for product contact parts, then contamination is prevented, but all process sensor parts and fittings require extensive cleaning procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies the disposable principle to the fitting and sensor housing assembly. These components are designed to be inexpensive and single-use, eliminating the need for extensive cleaning procedures. The disposable nature ensures contamination prevention while simplifying manufacturing and operational procedures, as the components are discarded after use rather than requiring complex cleaning and validation processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal fitting for in-line fluid measurement in a process application. The fitting includes an inlet and outlet port and also has a body with a fluid flow passage providing fluid communication between the ports. A sensor housing is provided that extends outwardly away from a wall of the body, wherein the housing is sized to receive a sensor assembly, which assembly measures at least one characteristic of the fluid. A base of each housing integrally formed with the wall and including a sensor seat for receiving a portion of the sensor assembly. A probe aperture receives a probe portion of the sensor assembly, each housing having the probe aperture disposed in the wall and extending from the fluid passage through its respective sensor seat.