System for automatic processing of fluids using combinable and interchangeable process modules

A system for automated processing of fluids, the system having a plurality of combinable, interchangeable process modules, each process module being operable to execute a different respective module-specific process function and each process module comprising:

• a control unit operable to control the process module;
• a fluid unit controlled by said control unit and operable to execute a unique respective module-specific process function;
• a shared data bus connected to said control unit and operable to interconnect said control unit and other control units associated with other respective process modules;
• a fluid bus connected to said fluid unit and having a plurality of channels, said fluid bus being operable to interconnect said fluid unit with other fluid units associated with other respective process modules;
• and
• a configuration device operable to vary the configuration of at least one portion of the channels of said fluid bus, wherein said configuration device comprises at least one valve controlling a flow of a respective fluid from said fluid unit to said fluid bus or from said fluid bus to said fluid unit.