US 12,162,741 B2 · Method and apparatus for realizing an aseptic connection between a valve unit and a tank container

Abstract

Methods for realizing an aseptic connection between a valve unit and a tank container having an inliner are provided whereby, a disinfection unit which includes the valve unit is positioned around the spout of the tank container. The valve unit is then disinfected by exposing the valve unit to a disinfection fluid and/or to electromagnetic radiation while the valve of the valve unit is in an open position. After having closed the valve, an end portion of the valve unit is pressed against a closure element that blocks the spout of the inliner, to thereby establish fluid communication between the inner environment of the inliner and the interior of the valve unit. The disinfection unit is then removed and the valve unit is fastened to the tank container to ensure an aseptic connection between the valve unit and the tank container.

A method for aseptically connecting a valve unit and a tank container that comprises an inliner, wherein the method comprises:

(1) providing a tank container and an inliner which is present in an interior of the tank container, wherein
(1a) each of the tank container and the inliner comprises a spout to allow for supply and discharge of a liquid;
wherein
(1b) the spout of the inliner is present in the spout of the tank container;
and wherein
(1c) the spout of the inliner includes a closure element which closes the spout of the inliner and separates an inner environment of the inliner from an outer environment of the inliner, wherein the closure element is capable of being punctured and/or displaced from the spout of the inliner so as to allow the supply and discharge of the liquid therethrough;
(2) providing a valve unit comprising a tube having first and second end portions, wherein
(2a) the first end portion of the tube comprises a valve that is configured to open and close the tube at the first end portion thereof;
and wherein
(2b) the second end portion of the tube is capable of displacing the closure element from the spout of the inliner and/or is capable of puncturing the closure element;
and wherein
(2c) the tube defines an interior that extends from the valve to the second end portion thereof;
and wherein
(2d) the valve unit comprises a fastening member which is adapted to fasten the valve unit to the spout of the tank container to thereby ensure an aseptic connection between the valve unit and the tank container;
and
(3) providing a disinfection unit comprising a wall defining an interior space, wherein
(3a) the wall comprises an opening into the interior space for receiving the valve unit, the opening being adapted to abut and/or enclose the spout of the tank container;
and wherein
(3b) the disinfection unit includes a device capable of exposing the interior of the tube of the valve unit to a disinfection fluid and/or to electromagnetic radiation;
and wherein
(3c) the disinfection unit is provided with a positioning member to change a position of the valve unit in the disinfection unit and press the second end portion of the tube of the valve unit against the closure element of the inliner, when the valve unit is contained in the interior space of the disinfection unit and when the opening of the disinfection unit is placed against and/or around the spout of the tank container;
and
thereafter the process comprises the sequential steps of:
a) placing the valve unit into the interior space of the disinfection unit and placing the opening of the disinfection unit against or around the spout of the tank container;
b) disinfecting the valve unit by exposing the interior of the tube of the valve unit to the disinfection fluid and/or to the electromagnetic radiation while the valve is in an open position;
c) closing the valve of the valve unit;
d) pressing the second end portion of the tube of the valve unit against the closure element that is present in the spout of the inliner so that the closure element becomes displaced or punctured and a fluid connection is generated between the second end portion of the tube and the spout, thereby establishing fluid communication between the inner environment of the inliner and the interior of the tube;
and
e) removing the disinfection unit from the valve unit and fastening the valve unit to the spout of the tank container to ensure an aseptic connection between the valve unit and the tank container.

26 more elements

Method and apparatus for realizing an aseptic connection between a valve unit and a tank container

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for realizing an aseptic connection between a valve unit and a tank container

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16