In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to the substantially sterile transport of a substantially sterile substance using a liner-based assembly having an overpack and a flexible or semi-rigid liner disposed within the overpack configured for pressure dispense, and a connector securable to at least one of the overpack or liner. The connector may include a first port operably connected with a quick connector configured for substantially aseptic filling of the liner. The first port may be configured for substantially aseptic sealing after filling of the liner. The connector may be configured for substantially aseptic dispense of the substance of the liner via the first port after unsealing of the first port or via a second port. In some particular embodiments, the second port may be operably connected with a quick connector, and dispense of the substance of the liner occurs via the quick connector of the second port. The assembly may include one or more of a mixer, a sparger, a sensor, or combinations thereof, and may be arranged to form a bioreactor. Related methods are also described.
B65D 77/06 - Liquids or semiliquids enclosed in flexible containers disposed within rigid containers
B65D 81/32 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
B67D 1/04 - Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers
B67D 7/72 - Devices for applying air or other gas pressure for forcing liquid to delivery point
B65D 25/18 - Linings or internal coatings spaced appreciably from container wall
B65D 85/84 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for corrosive chemicals
2.
DRAIN CONNECTOR FOR FLUID PROCESSING AND STORAGE CONTAINERS
A selectively closeable drain connector includes a hollow body or plunger moveable relative to a bore- defining drain flange. A locking element may be arranged to maintain the hollow body relative to the drain flange in one or more desired positions. At least one sealed jacket may extend between exterior portions of the drain flange and the hollow body to provide a barrier arranged to inhibit passage of contaminants to sealing surfaces along which the hollow body travels relative to the drain flange. The drain connector may be joined to a container, such as a tank, bag, vessel, or other receptacle for material storage and/or processing.
An apparatus for processing fluid includes a vessel provided with a sidewall including a passage and at least partially defining an interior compartment. A drain tube positioned in the interior compartment may drain fluid through the passage in the sidewall. The drain tube may be angled, and arranged such that the end in the interior compartment may be adapted for movement as the result of manipulation of a structure, such as a coupler, external to the interior compartment. Accordingly, the drain tube may be positioned along the sidewall at a reference point for movement between a first position for draining fluid above the reference point and a second position for draining fluid below the reference point. An indexing feature may also be provided for incrementally adjusting the position of the drain tube, along with an associated tool to facilitate the adjustment. Related methods are also disclosed.
