Patent Description:
Pocessing of fluids in chemical and biological reactors often results in valuable fluid product which must be distributed to smaller receptacles for further processing or delivery to customers. Current systems for distribution of fluids from larger to smaller containers are inefficient.

Current systems make use of linear manifolds leading from a source of fluid to which cross and tee fittings are connected. Fluid enters from one end of the manifold and flows in a linear fashion over each cross or tee branch along the header of the manifold. When liquid flows in this manner, it takes the path of least resistance, and since most of the branches (drops) are smaller in diameter than the manifold header, they receive liquid until hydraulic pressure builds to the point of pressure equalization. This results in uneven filling and requires operator manipulation of valves to assure each container gets filled to the desired level. Manual manipulation like this can cause a mechanical failure of the joints and also create a breach in sterility. The linear design also creates a large footprint and retains large amounts of liquid (hold up volume). This is undesirable because of product value per milliliter or risk to the operator to toxic exposure.

Examples for systems for distribution of fluid from a single source to a plurality of smaller receptacles can be found in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, or <CIT>.

There is a need for a system for rapid distribution of fluid from a single vessel to multiple vessels which provides greater flexibility.

The present application discloses a fluid distribution system for distributing fluid from a single source to a plurality of downstream receptacles, as presented in claim <NUM>. Further embodiments of the claimed system are presented in claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

A multi-channel distribution manifold is disclosed for collecting liquid into containers simultaneously from a single source. If the container is rigid, like a bottle, venting the air that is displaced by the liquid is also needed, and thus a second manifold will be stacked underneath the liquid distribution manifold. All of the vent tubes from the bottles attach to this common hub and share a common vent filter. The distribution manifold can be used just for liquid and each bottle can have its own filter, or the community filter at the central hub may be used. The geometry of the distribution and vent manifolds along with the fusion of the tubes into the housing saves a large amount of space and distributes the fluid evenly in all directions, thus minimizing delays in fluid distribution.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary fluid distribution system <NUM> is illustrated for distributing fluid from a single source to eight individual receptacles. It should be understood that the illustrated system <NUM> is just one example, and the concepts disclosed herein can be modified for different systems.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, the exemplary fluid distribution system <NUM> shows a lower inlet <NUM> leading to a distribution manifold <NUM> that separates an inlet fluid flow for delivery to eight individual receptacles <NUM>, all supported by a support stand <NUM>. Although not shown, a source for the inlet flow may comprise a larger vessel, such as a bioreactor vessel or other such chemical processing equipment. The fluid distribution system <NUM> is especially useful for dividing fluid flow from such a larger vessel into smaller individual receptacles <NUM>, such as the flasks shown. The lower inlet <NUM> of the distribution manifold <NUM> located on its underside connects to a larger inlet pipe <NUM>.

Fluid distribution manifold <NUM> is seen in the enlarged perspective and elevational views of <FIG>, and comprises a compact cylindrical body having a plurality of ports or outlets <NUM> leading to outlet fluid tubes or conduits <NUM>. The conduits <NUM> may be fused or otherwise bonded into the outlets <NUM> which are recessed, as described below. As mentioned, there are eight outlets <NUM> and outlet conduits <NUM> distributed evenly (<NUM>° increments) around the circumference of the cylindrical manifold <NUM>. As will be explained below, internal channels within the manifold <NUM> direct fluid flowing in through the inlet <NUM> evenly outward through the outlets <NUM> and outlet fluid conduits <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a common vent manifold <NUM> positioned directly above the fluid distribution manifold <NUM>. The vent manifold <NUM> is similarly shaped with a compact cylindrical body and has a plurality of ports or inlets <NUM> which receive inlet vent tubes or conduits <NUM>. The conduits <NUM> may be fused or otherwise bonded into the inlets <NUM> which are recessed, as described below. The vent manifold <NUM> has a central outlet <NUM> located on its upper middle. As will be shown, the vent manifold <NUM> provides a plurality of internal channels which connect the inlets <NUM> to the central outlet <NUM>. The central outlet <NUM> may be directed to be vented into the atmosphere, or may be connected to a common vent filter that filters all of the air displaced from various receptacles <NUM> during filling.

For instance, as seen in <FIG>, the gas vented through the central outlet <NUM> may be filtered through one or more filters <NUM> connected in line via a plurality of short sections of tubing <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the filters <NUM> comprise disk-shaped hydrophobic vent filters having inlet and outlet tubing nipples <NUM> along their central axes. The filters <NUM> help prevent egress of toxic fluids that may be carried in vaporized form in the vent gasses.

The conduits <NUM>, <NUM> are desirably tubes made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) which be connected in various ways to the manifold ports <NUM>, <NUM>. For instance, the conduits <NUM>, <NUM> may be attached using hose barb connections with band clamps, tri-clamp flange connections or interference connections with adhesive. For a closed system <NUM> that is sold ready to be used by a customer, the conduits <NUM>, <NUM> are molded into the manifold ports <NUM>, <NUM> and pre-connected in a sealed manner to the receptacles <NUM>. Plugs (not numbered) close the end of the inlet pipe <NUM> and the end of the last sections of outlet tubing <NUM>. The interior of the system <NUM> is thus sealed off, aside from the breathable vents <NUM> which have sufficient filter size to prevent any contamination.

With reference back to <FIG> and <FIG>, fluid flows in through the inlet pipe <NUM> to the lower center inlet <NUM> of the distribution manifold <NUM>. From there, the fluid is evenly distributed outward through the eight outlets <NUM> and outlet conduits <NUM>. Each of the outlet conduits <NUM> extends (in this case vertically downward) to a connector <NUM> in a lid <NUM> of one of the receptacles <NUM>. As fluid fills each receptacle <NUM>, air or other gas therewithin is displaced upward through a second connector <NUM> in the lid <NUM>, and upward through the vent conduits <NUM>. The displaced air or gas from each of the conduits <NUM> is ported inward through the eight inlets <NUM> (<FIG>), and from there to the central outlet <NUM> and filters <NUM> along the tubing sections <NUM>. In this way, the combination of the distribution manifold <NUM> and vent manifold <NUM> permits filling and venting of the eight receptacles <NUM> through a single, common location.

<FIG> indicates both directions of gas flow for the vent conduits <NUM>. Although not usual, a pressure differential down the conduits <NUM> may be generated to fill sampling dip tubes (not shown) connected to one or more receptacles <NUM>. Normally the gas flow is upward, though.

It should be understood that each of the receptacles <NUM> may alternatively have its own separate filter, rather than each receptacle porting vent gas to a common filter location. For instance, <FIG> illustrates an alternative configuration where one or more of the receptacles <NUM> receives fluid through the fluid conduit <NUM>, and vents gas through a short vent conduit <NUM> leading to a discrete filter <NUM>. Alternatively, the discrete filter <NUM> may be incorporated into the lid <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. Whichever way the alternative is configured, the receptacle <NUM> has an individual or discrete gas filter. If all of the receptacles <NUM> have their own filters <NUM>, the entire vent manifold <NUM> may be eliminated. The filter <NUM> is shown in generic form to indicate that it may be a number of different types, including the hydrophobic vent filter <NUM> described above as well as a simple porous membrane, as the particular process dictates.

<FIG> is a side elevational view of a support stand <NUM> much like the support stand <NUM> shown above, yet adapted for a diverse set of receptacles, such as one seen in <FIG>. <FIG> are top plan views of two receptacle support rings <NUM>, <NUM> for the support stand <NUM>.

Upper and lower support rings <NUM>, <NUM> are supported in space parallel relationship by a plurality of vertical legs <NUM>, typically held within aligned through holes (not numbered) in each support ring. An upright post <NUM> extends upward from the upper support ring <NUM>, and a horizontal arm <NUM> is secured thereon at variable heights by an adjustable clamp <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the upright post supports the inlet pipe <NUM>, though the horizontal arm <NUM> can be used to directly support the fluid distribution and vent manifolds.

The upper support ring <NUM> has a plurality of apertures formed therein that may be arranged around a common concentric circle and are sized to receive a number of the fluid receptacles. In this embodiment, the support ring <NUM> has large apertures <NUM> and small apertures <NUM> sized to closely receive receptacles of different diameters. The lower support ring <NUM> also includes a plurality of apertures <NUM> that receive and brace from movement lower ends of the receptacles. For example, <FIG> illustrates a number of receptacles <NUM> having conical bottom ends, wherein the apertures <NUM> are sized to receive the lower apex of the bottom ends. Similarly, rounded bottom ends on receptacles may be received in the apertures <NUM>. In general, the two support rings <NUM>, <NUM> provide firm vertical bracing for various forms of receptacles.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of a fluid distribution system <NUM> showing connections between a combined fluid distribution and vent manifold <NUM> and a number of diverse connected receptacles. The distribution manifold <NUM> has an upper vent outlet <NUM>, in this case represented by a through bore of the filter as described above. In this embodiment, the distribution manifold <NUM> has fourteen outlets (not shown) in fluid communication therewith. As such, there are fourteen outlet conduits (not numbered) extending away from the distribution manifold <NUM> to fourteen receptacles. A common vent manifold is provided in the distribution manifold <NUM> and connected to vent conduits (not numbered) returning from the receptacles. Each of the fluid outlet conduits may have a flow control valve <NUM> positioned thereon for opening and closing flow to that particular receptacle. Likewise, each vent conduit may have a flow control valve <NUM> positioned thereon to close off that particular receptacle from any back venting from the vent manifold that may be openly connected to the other receptacles. The flow control valves <NUM>, <NUM> may be simple clamps such as used in medical tubing.

Both the fluid conduits and vent conduits for two of the larger receptacles <NUM> may have sleeve-like crimping tubes <NUM> thereon. The crimping tubes <NUM> enable the conduits to be crimped and thus closed off after filling the respective receptacle. The crimping tubes <NUM> may be formed of brass, and may be configured to be separated after crimping so as to easily detach the filled receptacle from the overall system. For example, a crimping and separating device such as described in <CIT> to Arthun may be utilized. Further, the conduits may be formed of heat sealable TPE which can be sealed with heat and simply cut off to preserve a filled receptacle for later use.

There are five large receptacles <NUM> having volumetric indicators thereon. Additionally, there are three medium-size receptacles <NUM>, and six smaller receptacles <NUM>. This combination of receptacles is just one of many that can be connected to the manifold <NUM>, and any number of variations are contemplated. The flow into the receptacles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> from the common distribution manifold <NUM> and venting of gas out of the receptacles to a common vent manifold and filter has been described previously and thus will not be repeated. One or more of the fluid conduits may be closed off or plugged if less than the total number will be filled at any one time.

<FIG> are perspective, plan, and elevational views of an exemplary cylindrical fluid distribution manifold <NUM> having the capacity for evenly filling eight different connected receptacles, such as was described above. This particular distribution manifold <NUM> may be identical to the vent manifold <NUM> in the system shown in <FIG>, and as such the following description applies to both.

The distribution manifold <NUM> has a solid body <NUM> that may be molded out of a suitable polymer such as polypropylene. The body <NUM> has a squat cylindrical configuration with a plurality of the outlets or ports <NUM> formed therein and distributed evenly around its circumferential outer wall. Preferably, the ports <NUM> are formed by a recessed step leading to a radial through bore <NUM>. As mentioned, the conduits <NUM> are easily fused or bonded into the recessed ports <NUM> for a particular system <NUM>.

Inner apertures <NUM> of some of the through bores <NUM> are shown in <FIG>, opening through an inner cylindrical wall <NUM>. The inner cylindrical wall <NUM> defines a common inner chamber within the distribution manifold <NUM>. The inner wall <NUM> has an axial height large enough for the inner apertures <NUM>, and then steps radially outward to a second inner cylindrical wall <NUM> that intersects the lower surface of the body <NUM>. A flat upper surface of the body is closed so that the larger inner wall <NUM> forms a common opening in communication with each of the outlets <NUM>. The larger inner wall <NUM> provides a cylindrical recess which either forms the central inlet <NUM> or provides a convenient recess in which to bond a coupler which connects to the larger inlet pipe <NUM>, as described above. The inlet pipe <NUM> or inlet coupling <NUM> is preferably fixed by thermal fusion, thermal welding or bonding within the inner wall <NUM>, or the inner wall <NUM> may be threaded as shown so as to removably receive an inlet coupling <NUM> or the inlet pipe <NUM> directly.

The inner apertures <NUM> are evenly spaced around the inner chamber and the through bores <NUM> are identically sized and evenly arrayed in a spoke-like fashion to ensure even pressure distribution of the fluid. This enables even filling of the multiple receptacles <NUM>. There are eight connected receptacles <NUM>, though more may be accommodated in the same manner. The solid body <NUM> of the distribution manifold <NUM> is desirably cylindrical with the through bores <NUM> being radially oriented. However, the shape may be other than cylindrical as long as the through bores <NUM> are evenly distributed to create an even filling pressure. For instance, the solid body <NUM> may be spherical, hemispherical, square, hexagonal or otherwise a regular polygon, etc..

In the same manner, the vent manifold <NUM> will be inverted relative to the fluid distribution manifold <NUM> in <FIG>, so that the larger inner cylindrical wall opens upward and forms the outlet <NUM>. The closed upper surface of the fluid distribution manifold <NUM> is desirably flat, as is the closed lower surface of the vent manifold <NUM> such that the two manifolds can be positioned in abutting relationship, as indicated in <FIG>. The two manifolds <NUM>, <NUM> may be secured together with fusion or adhesive bonding.

<FIG> are perspective, plan, and elevational views of a combined fluid distribution manifold <NUM> and vent manifold <NUM> having the capacity for filling and venting <NUM> different connected receptacles. The physical configuration of the two manifolds <NUM>, <NUM> is much the same as was described above with respect to the vent manifold <NUM>, wherein both are formed of molded polymer bodies having a squat cylindrical shape, a common inlet or outlet along the central axis and radial passages <NUM>, <NUM> through the outer circumferential walls. It should be noted that although the fluid distribution manifold <NUM> is positioned below the vent manifold <NUM>, the positions could easily be reversed with minimal adjustment to the connecting conduits. The same applies to all other embodiments disclosed herein.

A first inner chamber <NUM> is formed by an inner cylindrical wall centrally located through an upper surface of the vent manifold <NUM>. The radial passages <NUM> extend inward and open into a second inner chamber <NUM> also formed by an internal cylindrical wall. The first inner chamber <NUM> is larger than the second inner chamber <NUM> and defines a receptacle or port within which an outlet connector such as shown in <NUM> in <FIG> can be affixed. Although not shown, the same configuration of stepped inner chambers is provided at the bottom of the fluid distribution manifold <NUM>.

If both the vent manifold <NUM> and fluid distribution manifold <NUM> are used, they may be separately molded or machined and then connected together through bonding, such as adhesive. There are <NUM> radial passages <NUM>, <NUM> in each of the manifolds <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, angularly spaced apart by an angle Q of <NUM>°. As seen in <FIG>, the radial passages <NUM> are angularly offset by half that amount, or <NUM>°, with respect to the radial passages <NUM>. This helps provide space for the fluid and vent conduits that are connected around the conjoined manifolds <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a number of key dimensional parameters for the manifold <NUM>, <NUM>. In this embodiment, the two manifolds <NUM>, <NUM> are identical and thus the dimensions that apply to one also apply to the other.

Each manifold <NUM>, <NUM> defines an exterior diameter D, an inner diameter di for the inner chamber, and an outer diameter do for the outer chamber. The total exterior height H of the combined manifolds <NUM>, <NUM> is shown, which may be twice the height of each of the manifolds separately. The height h from the adjacent lower or upper face of the respective manifold at which each of the radial passages <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned is desirably one half of the height of that particular manifold. Each radial passage <NUM>, <NUM> is angularly spaced an angle Q from the adjacent passage. An inner luminal diameter A of each radial passage <NUM>, <NUM> is shown, as well as a diameter B of an outlet port. Exemplary values for each of these dimensional parameters is provided below in a table for the three manifold shown. Dimensions for manifolds configured with a different number of radial passages or intended for use with particular fluids may be modified but fall within the general pattern disclosed.

<FIG> illustrate a still further stacked vent manifold <NUM> and fluid distribution manifold <NUM> having the capacity for filling and venting fourteen different connected receptacles, and <FIG> is a sectional view taken along the angled line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>. As before, the two manifolds <NUM>, <NUM> are both desirably formed of molded polymer bodies having a squat cylindrical shape, with a common inlet or outlet along the central axis and radial passages <NUM>, <NUM> through the outer circumferential walls.

A first inner chamber <NUM> is formed by an inner cylindrical wall centrally located through an upper surface of the vent manifold <NUM>. The radial passages <NUM> extend inward and open into a second inner chamber <NUM> also formed by an internal cylindrical wall. The first inner chamber <NUM> is larger than the second inner chamber <NUM> and defines a receptacle or port within which an outlet connector such as shown in <NUM> in <FIG> can be affixed. <FIG> is a cross-section which illustrates the same stepped inner chambers <NUM>, <NUM> formed in the lower face of the fluid distribution manifold <NUM>. Once again, the first inner chamber <NUM> provides a receptacle or port within which a common conduit such as the inlet pipe <NUM> shown above may be fastened. The smaller second inner chamber <NUM> opens outward to the radial passages <NUM>.

If both the vent manifold <NUM> and fluid distribution manifold <NUM> are used, they may be separately molded or machined and then connected together through bonding, such as adhesive. There are <NUM> radial passages <NUM>, <NUM> in each of the manifold <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, angularly spaced apart an even amount, in this case about an angle Q of <NUM>°. As seen in <FIG>, the radial passages <NUM> are angularly offset by half that amount with respect to the radial passages <NUM>. This helps provide space for the fluid and vent conduits that are connected around the conjoined manifolds <NUM>, <NUM>.

The manifolds may have four or more inlets/outlets up to a practical maximum of <NUM>. Of course, the size of the manifolds may have to be altered for greater number of connections. An even number makes fabrication easier, though the concept is not so limited.

For each of the above exemplary dimension, tolerances of ±<NUM> apply.

Terms such as top, bottom, left and right are used herein, though the fluid manifolds may be used in various positions such as upside down. Thus, some descriptive terms are used in relative terms and not absolute terms.

Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus and procedures disclosed or claimed. Although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments.

Claim 1:
A system for distributing fluid from a single fluid source into multiple receptacles, wherein:
a fluid distribution manifold (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a solid body having a fluid inlet (<NUM>) in communication with the single fluid source at a central location leading to an inner chamber (<NUM>, <NUM>), the fluid distribution manifold (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a plurality of evenly spaced internal passages (<NUM>) extending outward from inner apertures (<NUM>) opening to the inner chamber to multiple fluid outlets (<NUM>) distributed evenly around an outer periphery of the body, wherein the solid body of the fluid distribution manifold (<NUM>, <NUM>) has a cylindrical shape with the internal passages and fluid outlets extending radially outward from the inner chamber, the outlet conduits initially projecting radially outward from the body and bending <NUM>° downward;
a plurality of outlet conduits (<NUM>) fluidly connected to the fluid outlets;
a plurality of receptacles (<NUM>) each of which has an outlet conduit connected thereto, wherein fluid provided to the fluid inlet of the fluid distribution manifold (<NUM>, <NUM>) is distributed evenly through the internal passages, fluid outlets, and outlet conduits into the receptacles;
a gas vent (<NUM>) in each receptacle;
a vent manifold (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed adjacent the fluid distribution manifold (<NUM>, <NUM>), the vent manifold (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a solid body with a vent outlet (<NUM>) at a central location leading to an inner chamber (<NUM>, <NUM>), the vent manifold (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a plurality of evenly spaced internal passages (<NUM>) extending outward from the inner chamber to multiple vent inlets (<NUM>) distributed evenly around an outer periphery of the body, wherein the solid body of the vent manifold (<NUM>, <NUM>) is cylindrical, and the vent conduits initially project radially outward from the vent manifold (<NUM>, <NUM>) body and bend <NUM>° downward toward a respective receptacle gas vent,
characterized in that the solid body of the vent manifold (<NUM>, <NUM>) is separate from but disposed adjacent and secured in axial alignment with respect to the fluid distribution manifold (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a plurality of vent conduits (<NUM>) each of which connects one of the vent inlets of the vent manifold (<NUM>, <NUM>) to one of the receptacle gas vents.