Modular fluid handling device II

#This document concerns an invention relating generally to devices for processing and sampling of gases and liquids, and more specifically to devices allowing rapid construction of fluid reactors, distillers, extractors, homogenizers, filtration/separation devices, process models (e.g., devices for modeling engine cycles, refrigeration cycles, etc.), and other devices for handling fluids.

#Fluid handling devices including fermenters, distillers, filtration tanks, evaporators, etc. (or combinations of these components) are exceedingly common in industry and in research labs. Researchers and engineers also often need to experiment with models for common thermodynamic cycles, e.g., refrigeration cycles (vapor compression cycle, Einstein cycle, etc.) and power cycles (Otto cycle, Diesel cycle, Brayton cycle, Rankine cycle, etc.). While it is often desirable to generate prototypes or small-scale versions of such devices, they are usually time-consuming, difficult, and expensive to construct. One approach commonly used in laboratories is to connect glassware vessels (e.g., flasks, towers, heat exchangers, etc.) with rubber tubing so that the vessels form some desired fluid process model. Even apart from the significant time and expense required for their construction, these are quite fragile, are unsuitable for pressurized processes, and are also usually unsuitable for processes involving extreme temperatures or corrosive materials owing to the weakness of the tubing. In some cases, more durable fluid handling devices can be formed from metal vessels connected with (for example) brazed copper tubing, but these involve even greater time, cost, and fabrication burdens.

#A prior patent (U.S. Pat. No. 7,146,999 to Giese et al., which is incorporated by reference herein) describes a modular fluid handling system wherein modular blocks bear passageways for carrying fluids, and wherein inserts having different functionality—e.g., valve inserts, filter inserts, turbine inserts, pump inserts, heating/cooling inserts, sensor inserts, flow routing/diverting inserts, etc.—can be inserted into selected blocks. The blocks, with or without inserts, can be affixed together to construct a durable fluid handling device. This document relates to improvements and additions to the modular fluid handling system described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,146,999 to Giese et al.

#FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary fluid handling device which illustrates concepts of the invention, wherein the aforementioned fluid passage blocks 100 and fluid intake/outlet blocks 200 are affixed together in a vertical stack via fasteners 302, and are also affixed together in a vertical array via annular side fasteners 300.

#FIG. 2 provides an exploded perspective view of the exemplary fluid handling device of FIG. 1, showing the fluid passages 112/212 of the fluid passage blocks 100 and fluid intake/outlet blocks 200 (as well as the ducts 214 between the block bores 206 and the fluid passages 212 of the fluid intake/outlet blocks 200), and also showing the stacked star wheels 400 and rotor discs 500 within the block bores 106/206.

#FIG. 3 provides a partially sectioned perspective view of the exemplary fluid handling device of FIGS. 1 and 2, showing the stacked star wheels 400 and rotor discs 500 (and spacers 314) on or adjacent to the shaft 312 and removed outwardly from the block bores 106/206.

#Expanding on the foregoing Summary, following are further details regarding exemplary and preferred versions of the invention.

#Regarding the fluid passage blocks 100 and the fluid intake/outlet blocks 200, these are preferably formed of heat- and corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, but other materials can be used. Block materials can be specially chosen to achieve desired objectives; for example, a block 100/200 could be formed of plastic or ceramic materials to reduce heat conduction, or of transparent plastic or glass to allow visualization of its contents, etc. A user could then choose an assortment of blocks 100/200 having desired characteristics, and assemble them to better fulfill the intended purpose of the fluid handling device. In this respect, it is emphasized that a fluid handling device need not include only the fluid passage blocks 100 and the fluid intake/outlet blocks 200 discussed above, and that other types of modular blocks—such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,146,999 to Giese et al. (which is incorporated by reference herein)—may be used with the fluid passage blocks 100 and/or the fluid intake/outlet blocks 200. It should further be understood that the blocks described in that patent may be modified to include features described in this document, and conversely the blocks 100/200 and other components described in this document may be modified to include features noted in the prior patent.

#Exemplary dimensions for the blocks 100/200 are 1 inch thickness between the block faces 102/202, block sides 104/204 which are each 1.5 inches wide, and a central bore 106/206 having an average diameter of 1 inch. Exemplary dimensions for the fluid passages 112/212 and channels 116 are ½ inch, ¼ inch, and ⅛ inch. However, different dimensions could be used, and it is also possible to use different blocks 100/200 having different dimensions in the same fluid handling device; for example, different blocks 100/200 might be formed with 1 inch, 2 inch, and 4 inch thicknesses for use together in the same fluid handling device, with the 2 inch block effectively taking the place of 2 vertically stacked 1-inch blocks, the 4 inch block effectively taking the place of 4 vertically stacked 1-inch blocks (or 2 vertically-stacked 2-inch blocks), etc. Apart from having varying dimensions, the number and placement of features on the blocks may be changed, e.g., the number and placement of the fluid passages 112/212, and the configuration of features may change as well, e.g., the block bores 106/206 need not be circular.