Multi-use sterile access/GMP diaphragm valve housing

A method of use of a multi-use sterile access/GMP diaphragm valve housing in a sterile access orientation, the method comprising:

• (a) providing the diaphragm valve housing, the housing having a valve housing block having a main flow axis, the housing further having a main flow valve mounting surface formed upon the valve housing block parallel to the main flow axis, the housing further having a first port and an opposing second port each respectively formed in the valve housing block aligned along the main flow axis, the housing further having a first passage extending from the first port to the main flow valve mounting surface, the housing further having a second passage extending from the main flow valve mounting surface to the second port, the housing further having a main flow weir disposed adjacent the main flow valve mounting surface between the first and second passages for controlling flow between the first and second passages, the housing further having first and second planar lands disposed orthogonal to each other and parallel to the main flow axis;
• (b) forming a third passage through a respective one of the lands extending to a lowestmost portion of the first passage;
• (c) attaching tubing to the third passage adjacent the respective one of the lands;
• and
• (d) aligning the housing in a sterile access orientation with the main flow axis disposed horizontally.

A method of use of a multi-use sterile access/GMP diaphragm valve housing in a GMP orientation, the method comprising:

• (a) providing the valve housing, the housing having a valve housing block having a main flow axis, the housing further having a main flow valve mounting surface formed upon the valve housing block parallel to the main flow axis, the housing further having a first port and an opposing second port each respectively formed in the valve housing block aligned along the main flow axis, the housing further having a first passage extending from the first port to the main flow valve mounting surface, the housing further having a second passage extending from the main flow valve mounting surface to the second port, the housing further having a main flow weir disposed adjacent the main flow valve mounting surface between the first and second passages for controlling flow between the first and second passages, the housing further having first and second planar lands disposed orthogonal to each other and parallel to the main flow axis;
• (b) forming a third passage through a respective one of the lands extending to a lowestmost portion of the first passage;
• (c) attaching tubing to the third passage adjacent the respective one of the lands;
• and
• (d) aligning the housing in a GMP orientation with the main flow axis disposed vertically.