Methods and apparatus for improved fluid control utilizing a u-valve employing a bidirectional check valve

A U-valve for controlling a flow of a liquid from a vessel attached to the U-valve, comprising:

• a first section having a first apex;
• a second section having a second apex;
• a bi-directional check valve within the first section of the U-valve, the check valve comprising:
• a first channel;
• a first valve within the first channel, the first valve being adapted to block liquid flow from the vessel in a direction from the vessel through the discharge port and through the U-valve, the first channel being further adapted to allow a flow of a gas in a direction through the U-valve, through the discharge port and toward the vessel;
• a second channel;
• and
• a second valve within the second channel, the second valve being adapted to be in one of an open position or a closed position, the second valve being adapted to block liquid flow in the direction from the vessel through the discharge port and through the U-valve when in the closed position, the valve being adapted to allow liquid flow in the direction from the vessel through the discharge port and through the U-valve when in the open position, the second valve being adapted to be opened by an application of a negative pressure exerted through the U-valve on the second valve from a side of the second valve opposite to the vessel.

A method of controlling a flow of a liquid, comprising the steps of:

• providing a vessel having an evacuation port;
• providing a U-valve connected to the evacuation port, the U-valve containing a check valve, the check valve having a first and a second channel, each of the first and second channels having an open position and a closed position, the first channel containing a first valve adapted to block the flow of the liquid when the first valve is in the closed position and to allow the flow of a gas in a direction opposite to a direction of liquid flow when the first valve is in the open position, the second channel containing a second valve adapted to block the flow of the liquid when the first valve is in the closed position and to allow the flow of liquid when the first valve is in the open position;
• placing a liquid in the vessel;
• opening the U-valve to allow liquid to flow into the U-valve from the vessel;
• introducing a gas into the liquid through the first channel when it is desired to purge the vessel or agitate the liquid;
• and
• opening the second channel by applying a negative pressure to the U-valve when it is desired to evacuate the liquid from the vessel.

A chemical synthesis reaction tool, comprising:

• a reaction vessel;
• a reaction vessel support disposed to hold the reaction vessel in a preferred orientation,
• an injection port, including a pressure seal, situated to provide access to said reaction vessel for the injection of liquids into said reaction vessel;
• an evacuation port, including a pressure seal, situated to provide access to said reaction vessel for the evacuation of fluids from said reaction vessel;
• injection and evacuation fittings formed to matingly engage said respective injection and evacuation ports and to thereby enable the delivery of fluids to the reaction vessel and the evacuation of fluids from said reaction vessel;
• a U-valve formed of flexible tubing and connected to regulate the flow of liquids from said evacuation through fitting, the U-valve comprising:
• a first section having a first apex;
• a second section having a second apex;
• a bi-directional check valve within the first section of the U-valve, the check valve comprising:
• a first channel;
• a first valve within the first channel, the first valve being adapted to be in one of an open position or a closed position, the valve being adapted to block liquid flow in a direction from the vessel through the discharge port and through the U-valve when in the closed position, the valve being adapted to admit a fluid traveling in a direction from the U-valve through the discharge port and into the vessel when in the open position;
• a second channel;
• and
• a second valve within the second channel, the second valve being adapted to be in one of an open position or a closed position, the valve being adapted to block liquid flow in the direction from the vessel through the discharge port and through the U-valve when in the closed position, the valve being adapted to allow liquid flow in the direction from the vessel through the discharge port and through the U-valve when in the open position.

A universal fluid exchanger comprising:

• a reaction vessel;
• a reaction vessel support disposed to hold the reaction vessel in a preferred orientation;
• an injection port, including a pressure seal, situated to provide access to said reaction vessel for the injection of liquids into said reaction vessel;
• an evacuation port, including a pressure seal, situated to provide access to said reaction vessel for the evacuation of fluids from said reaction vessel;
• injection and evacuation fittings formed to matingly engage said respective injection and evacuation ports and to thereby enable the delivery of fluids to the reaction vessel and the evacuation of fluids from said reaction vessel;
• an actuator for controlling selectively aligning the injection and evacuation ports and the injection and evacuation fittings, respectively;
• and
• a U-valve formed of flexible tubing and connected to regulate the flow of liquids from the evacuation fitting, the U-valve comprising:
• a first section having a first apex;
• a second section having a second apex;
• a bi-directional check valve within the first section of the U-valve, the check valve comprising:
• a first channel;
• a first valve within the first channel, the first valve being adapted to be in one of an open position or a closed position, the valve being adapted to block liquid flow in a direction from the vessel through the discharge port and through the U-valve when in the closed position, the valve being adapted to admit a fluid traveling in a direction from the U-valve through the discharge port and into the vessel when in the open position;
• a second channel;
• and
• a second valve within the second channel, the second valve being adapted to be in one of an open position or a closed position, the valve being adapted to block liquid flow in the direction from the vessel through the discharge port and through the U-valve when in the closed position, the valve being adapted to allow liquid flow in the direction from the vessel through the discharge port and through the U-valve when in the open position.