U.S. patent application number 13/170926 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-05 for rigid disposable flow path.
This patent application is currently assigned to Millipore corporation. Invention is credited to Martin Morrissey, Neil Schauer.
Application Number | 20120000566 13/170926 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45398783 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120000566 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morrissey; Martin ; et
al. |
January 5, 2012 |
RIGID DISPOSABLE FLOW PATH
Abstract
The present invention provides a disposable rigid flow path
which by itself or in conjunction with a clam shell or manifold
system provides additional pressure resistance for the disposable
device. In a first embodiment, the device is comprised of a first
sheet of rigid plastic material and a second sheet of plastic
material. Each sheet has a first major surface and a second major
surface and a thickness between the first and second major
surfaces. At least one and preferably both have flow channels
formed in them. The flow channels are formed in the sheet(s) in
manner such that the area of the sheet where the flow channels are
formed extend away from the first major surface of the sheet and
beyond the normal plane of the second major surface of the sheet.
The first and second sheets are liquid tightly sealed to each other
at their adjoining first major surfaces. In the embodiment where
each sheet contains a flow channel, the flow channels of the two
sheets are aligned and in register with each other. One or more
fittings are secured in the flow channel(s) at an edge of the two
liquid tightly sealed sheets so as to function as an inlet, outlet
or other port for the system. In another embodiment tubing is
placed in the channels before the sheets are secured to one
another.
Inventors: |
Morrissey; Martin; (Beverly,
MA) ; Schauer; Neil; (Milford, MA) |
Assignee: |
Millipore corporation
Billerica
MA
|
Family ID: |
45398783 |
Appl. No.: |
13/170926 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61360644 |
Jul 1, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
138/177 ;
137/594 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 9/127 20130101;
B01L 2200/0689 20130101; B01L 2300/0887 20130101; Y10T 137/87153
20150401; B01L 3/561 20130101; F16L 9/133 20130101; B01J 2219/00968
20130101; B01J 2219/00833 20130101; B01J 2219/00783 20130101; F16L
9/22 20130101; F16L 9/00 20130101; B01J 19/0093 20130101; B01L
3/502715 20130101; B01L 2200/027 20130101; B01J 2219/00808
20130101; B01J 2219/00813 20130101; B01L 3/502707 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
138/177 ;
137/594 |
International
Class: |
F16L 9/00 20060101
F16L009/00 |
Claims
1) A device comprising a first sheet of rigid plastic material and
a second sheet of plastic material, each sheet has a first major
surface and a second major surface and a thickness between the
first and second major surfaces, at least one of the first and
second sheets has one or more flow channels formed therein, the one
or more flow channels are formed in the at least one sheet in
manner such that the area of the sheet where the flow channels are
formed extend away from the first major surface of the sheet and
beyond the normal plane of the second major surface of the sheet,
and the first and second sheets are liquid tightly sealed to each
other at their adjoining first major surfaces.
2) The device of claim 1 wherein the first and second sheets have
one or more flow channels in them.
3) The device of claim 1 wherein the first and second sheets have
one or more flow channels in them and the flow channels of the two
sheets are aligned and in register with each other.
4) The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more fittings
are secured in the flow channel at an edge of the two liquid
tightly sealed sheets.
5) The device of claim 1 wherein the first sheet has one more flow
channels and the one or more flow channels have a cross-sectional
profile selected from the group consisting of semi-circles,
semi-ovals, squares, triangles, rectangangles and semi-polygonals
where p equals the number of sides of the polygon and p>4.
6) The device of claim 1 wherein the first and second sheets have
one or more flow channels in them and the one or more flow channels
have a cross-sectional profile selected from the group consisting
of semi-circles, semi-ovals, squares, triangles, rectangangles,
semi-hexagonals and semi-polygonals where p equals the number of
sides of the polygon and p>4.
7) The device of claim 1 wherein the sheets are made from a plastic
selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polycarbonates,
epoxies, fiberglass reinforced thermosets, carbon reinforced
thermosets, carbon composites, polysulphones and
polyetherimides.
8) The device of claim wherein the sheets are liquid tightly sealed
together by a means selected from the group consisting of heat
bonds, ultra-sonic welding, vibration welding, heat-staking,
solvent welding, adhesives, clamps and nuts and bolts.
9) The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more pieces of
tubing are contained in the one or more flow channels between the
two sheets and one or more fittings are secured to the one or more
pieces of tubing in the one or more flow channels at an edge of the
two liquid tightly sealed sheets.
10) The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more holes
through one of the first or second sheets at a location over the
one or more flow channels and a sensor being liquid tightly
attached to the opening.
11) The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more holes
through one of the first or second sheets at a location over the
one or more flow channels, each opening having a elastomeric seal
formed therein and a sensor being liquid tightly attached to the
opening.
12) The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more holes
through one of the first or second sheets at a location over the
one or more flow channels, a sensor being liquid tightly attached
to the opening and the sensor being selected from the group
consisting of temperature, pressure, conductivity, flow and pH
sensors.
13) A device comprising a first sheet of rigid plastic material and
a second sheet of plastic material, each sheet has a first major
surface and a second major surface and a thickness between the
first and second major surfaces, at least one of the first and
second sheets has one or more flow channels formed in it, the one
or more flow channels are formed in at least one of the sheets in a
manner such that the area of the sheet where the flow channels are
formed extends away from the first major surface of the sheet and
beyond the normal plane of the second major surface of the sheet,
the first and second sheets are liquid tightly sealed to each other
at their adjoining first major surfaces, one or more pieces of
tubing contained within the one or more flow channels and one or
more fittings are secured to the one or more pieces of tubing at an
edge of the two liquid tightly sealed sheets so as to function as a
port for the system.
Description
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/360,644, filed on Jul.
1, 2010, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety.
[0002] This invention relates to a rigid disposable flow path for
disposable manufacturing such as in pharmaceutical,
biopharmaceutical, nutriceutical, food or beverage processing and
the like. Moreover the invention relates to a rigid top and bottom
portion attached to each other with a flow path formed in the
adjoining faces of the top and bottom portion.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Traditionally, fluid products such as biopharmaceuticals,
food and beverages have been processed in stainless steel path
ways. The steel piping and fluid path ways need to cleaned such as
with a hot caustic solution and then rinsed with several volumes of
hot water and steam sterilized in between each use.
[0004] One problem with such a system is making sure the system is
properly cleaned and sterilized in between each use. Another issue
is that the system is incapable of being flexible in size or
configuration, limiting the user to a set volume and methodology
dictated by the configuration.
[0005] This has led to the recent adoption of plastic flexible
containers and systems based on them. Most simply are plastic
assemblies such as bags connected to each other by plastic tubing.
One problem with such systems is that the system cannot be used at
any high pressures due to the limitations of the plastic itself. A
second issue is that it needs to be stabilized or retained to the
surface on which it is used.
[0006] One approach has been to use a clam shell or two piece
manifold having a flow channel configuration or a relatively flat
compressible surface between which the tubing of an assembly and/or
the entire assembly can be held so that it can be kept in place and
provided with some pressure resistance. See WO 2009/017614.
[0007] Another option is to use a flat or unconfigured bag and
manifolds that contain the desired flow channels in the manifolds.
The bag is placed between the manifolds and slightly constrained.
The bag portions corresponding to those portions below the flow
channels of the bag are then slightly inflated with a gas or liquid
such that the bag portions fill the flow channels of the manifolds.
The manifolds are then closed around the bag forming the desired
flow path within the bag while in the manifolds. See FR 0959435
filed Jan. 23, 2009.
[0008] These devices have their limitations in terms of their
complexity of operation and manufacture and their potential for
leakage at pressure. For example, the use of separate components
such as bags and tubes or an unconfigured bag and placing them in a
manifold still limits one to the pressures at which the device may
be run as the bag and often the tubes pressure resistance is only
marginally improved by the use of the shell or manifolds. This is
even more accentuated in the system using only a bag and forming
the fluid pathways by inflating portions of the bag into the
channels formed in the manifold inner surfaces. In this instance,
the seal between the layers of the bag limits the amount of
pressure that can be used. Additionally, when using individual
components such as tubes connected to bags through a plastic port
welded to the bag, one has to deal with obtaining and maintaining a
good liquid tight seal between all the components. Most often a
leak will occur where the tube is secured to the bag. The manifold
devices do not stop such leaks from occurring and running the
system at higher pressure and exacerbate the leak in some
instances.
[0009] The present invention provides a different device for
forming a disposable pathway that is capable of holding and
operating at high pressures and eliminating the leaks that may
occur in other assemblies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a disposable rigid flow path
which by itself or in conjunction with a clam shell or manifold
system provides additional pressure resistance for the disposable
device.
[0011] In a first embodiment, the device is comprised of a first
sheet of rigid plastic material and a second sheet of plastic
material. Each sheet has a first major surface and a second major
surface and a thickness between the first and second major
surfaces. At least one and preferably both have flow channels
formed in them. The flow channels are formed in the sheet(s) in
manner such that the area of the sheet where the flow channels are
formed extend away from the first major surface of the sheet and
beyond the normal plane of the second major surface of the sheet.
The first and second sheets are liquid tightly sealed to each other
at their adjoining first major surfaces. In the embodiment where
each sheet contains a flow channel, the flow channels of the two
sheets are aligned and in register with each other. One or more
fittings are secured in the flow channel(s) at an edge of the two
liquid tightly sealed sheets so as to function as an inlet, outlet
or other port for the system.
[0012] In a second embodiment, the device is comprised of a first
sheet of rigid plastic material and a second sheet of plastic
material. Each sheet has a first major surface and a second major
surface and a thickness between the first and second major
surfaces. Both sheets have flow channels formed in them. The flow
channels are formed in the sheets in a manner such that the area of
the sheet where the flow channels are formed extends away from the
first major surface of the sheet and beyond the normal plane of the
second major surface of the sheet. The first and second sheets are
liquid tightly sealed to each other at their adjoining first major
surfaces. The flow channels of the two sheets are aligned and in
register with each other. A tubing is run in the flow channels
between the two sheets and one or more fittings are secured to the
tubing in the flow channels at an edge of the two liquid tightly
sealed sheets so as to function as an inlet, outlet or other port
for the system.
[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device
is comprised of a first sheet of rigid plastic material and a
second sheet of plastic material, each sheet has a first major
surface and a second major surface and a thickness between the
first and second major surfaces at least one and preferably both
sheets have one or more flow channels formed in them, the flow
channels are formed in the sheet(s) in a manner such that the area
of the sheet(s) where the one or more flow channels are formed
extend away from the first major surface of the sheet(s) and beyond
the normal plane of the second major surface of the sheet(s), the
first and second sheets are liquid tightly sealed to each other at
their adjoining first major surfaces and one or more fittings are
secured in the flow channel(s) at an edge of the two liquid tightly
sealed sheets so as to function as a port for the device.
[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device
is comprised of a first sheet of rigid plastic material and a
second sheet of plastic material, each sheet has a first major
surface and a second major surface and a thickness between the
first and second major surfaces at least one and preferably both
sheets have one or more flow channels formed in them, the flow
channels are formed in the sheet(s) in a manner such that the area
of the sheet(s) where the one or more flow channels are formed
extend away from the first major surface of the sheet(s) and beyond
the normal plane of the second major surface of the sheet(s), the
first and second sheets are liquid tightly sealed to each other at
their adjoining first major surfaces, one or more pieces of tubing
are in the one or more flow channels between the two sheets and one
or more fittings are secured to the tubing in the flow channels at
an edge of the two liquid tightly sealed sheets so as to function
as a port for the device.
[0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
embodiment in which each sheet contains one or more flow channels
and the flow channels of the two sheets are aligned and in register
with each other.
[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device
wherein the first sheet has one more flow channels and the one or
more flow channels have a cross-sectional profile selected from the
group consisting of semi-circles, semi-ovals, squares, triangles,
rectangangles, semi-hexagonals and semi-polygonals where p equals
the number of sides of the polygon and p>6.
[0017] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device
wherein the first and second sheets have one or more flow channels
in them and the one or more flow channels have a cross-sectional
profile selected from the group consisting of semi-circles,
semi-ovals, squares, triangles, rectangangles, semi-hexagonals and
semi-polygonals where p equals the number of sides of the polygon
and p>4.
[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device
wherein the sheets are made from a plastic selected from the group
consisting of polyolefins, polycarbonates, epoxies, fiberglass
reinforced thermosets, carbon reinforced thermosets, carbon
composites, polysulphones and polyetherimides.
[0019] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device
wherein the sheets are liquid tightly sealed together by a means
selected from the group consisting of heat bonds, ultra-sonic
welding, vibration welding, heat-staking, solvent welding,
adhesives, clamps, nuts and bolts and the like.
[0020] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device
having one or more holes through one of the first or second sheets
at a location over the one or more flow channels and a sensor being
liquid tightly attached to the opening.
[0021] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device
having one or more holes through one of the first or second sheets
at a location over the one or more flow channels, each opening
having a elastomeric seal formed therein and a sensor being liquid
tightly attached to the opening.
[0022] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device
having one or more holes through one of the first or second sheets
at a location over the one or more flow channels, a sensor being
liquid tightly attached to the opening and the sensor being
selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure,
conductivity, flow and pH sensors.
IN THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment in cross-section view.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows the first embodiment of FIG. 1 in planar
view.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows the first embodiment of FIG. 1 in a second
cross-sectional view with a fitting attached.
[0026] FIG. 4 A-F shows some of the various cross-sectional
profiles of the flow channels of the first embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows the first embodiment in planar view.
[0028] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a sensor port of the present invention in
cross-section view.
[0029] FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 10 A-F shows some of the various cross-sectional
profiles of the flow channels of the second embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 12 shows a fourth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment and second cross-sectional view
with a fitting attached.
DETAILED SPECIFICATION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] In FIGS. 1-3 is shown a first embodiment of the present
invention. The device 2 is comprised of a first and second sheet of
rigid plastic 4, 6. Each sheet 4, 6 has a first major surface 8A
and B and a second major surface 10 A and B and a thickness 12 A
and B between the first and second major surfaces 8 and 10 A and B.
In this embodiment only the first sheet 4 has one or more flow
channels 14 formed in it. The one or more flow channels 14 are
formed in the sheet 4 in a manner such that the area of the sheet 4
where the flow channels 14 are formed extend away from the first
major surface 8A of the sheet and beyond the normal plane of the
second major surface 10A of the sheet. The first and second sheets
4, 6 are liquid tightly sealed to each other at their adjoining
first major surfaces 8A and B. In this embodiment the two sheets
are sealed together such as by an adhesive or weld 16 although
other methods such as heat bonds, sonic welding, solvent welding,
clamps, nuts and bolts and the like can be used instead.
[0036] One or more fittings 18 (FIG. 3) are secured in the flow
channel(s) 14 at an edge of the two liquid tightly sealed sheets 4,
6 so as to function as a port for the system. If desired a hose
barb 30 can be used to secure the fitting to the tubing 24.
Alternatively, one can adhere, friction fit or melt bond the
fitting 18A to the tubing 24. In this embodiment an O-ring 19 is
used to form a liquid tight seal around the outside of the fitting
so that all liquid must pass through its bore 21. While shown with
the embodiment in which both sheets 4, 6 have a channel 14 as
described below, one can use a similar device in the embodiment
with only a channel 14 formed in one sheet 4 or 6 as described
above in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0037] FIG. 4A-F shows various cross-sectional profiles of the flow
channel of the first embodiment. For example the cross-sectional
profile can be a semi circle or semi oval as shown in FIGS. 4 A and
B respectively. Alternatively it can be a triangle (4 F), a square
or rectangle (4 C) or any half of a polygon having 5 or more sides.
Put another way it can be a semi-polygon wherein the number of
sides of the polygon p is greater than 4. Examples of these include
a semi-hexagonal profile as shown in 4D and a semi-octagon in
4E.
[0038] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 5 the device may have one or
more chambers 20 also formed in the first layer that can act as
mixing, filtration or storage containers. Additionally, as shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7 the device may have one or more holes 22 formed in
the one or more flow channels 14 for the attachment of sensors such
as those for of temperature, pressure, conductivity, flow and pH
sensors or for filter capsules such as Opticap.RTM. filters
available from Millipore Corporation or for fittings such as hose
barbs, Tri-Clover.RTM. clamps and the like so that fluid in the
system can be redirected to other devices or locations as needed.
These holes 22 may be formed with internal screw threads, elastomer
seals or other such devices for the liquid securing of the sensor,
filter or fitting. If the sensors are disposable they can
permanently secured by adhesives, solvent welds and the like.
Optionally, for those sensors that do not need to contact the fluid
directly a plastic film or membrane may be sealed across the
opening to form a sterile liquid tight barrier (not shown).
[0039] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a second embodiment of the present
invention in which each sheet has one or more flow paths 14 formed
in them. In this instance both sheets have the one or more flow
channels 14 formed in each sheet 4, 6 in a manner such that the
area of the sheets 4 and 6 where the flow channels 14 are formed
extend away from the first major surface 8A or B of each sheet 4, 6
and beyond the normal plane of the second major surface 10A and B
of each sheet 4, 6. Preferably the flow channel(s) 14 of each sheet
4, 6 are mirror images of the other so that when the sheets 4, 6
are joined the flow channel(s) 14 of each sheet 4, 6 are in
alignment and register with each other.
[0040] FIG. 10A-F shows various cross-sectional profiles of the
flow channel of the second embodiment. For example the
cross-sectional profile of each sheet can be a semi circle or semi
oval as shown in FIGS. 10 A and B respectively. Alternatively it
can be a triangle (10 F), a square or rectangle (10 C) or any half
of a polygon having 5 or more sides. Put another way it can be a
semi-polygon wherein the number of sides of the polygon p is
greater than 4. Examples of these include a semi-hexagonal profile
as shown in 10D and a semi-octagon in 10E. While the cross-sections
of each sheet is shown as being identical to that of the other
sheet and while this is the preferred method of doing so, the
sheets could if desired have different cross-sectional
profiles.
[0041] FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment the plastic sheets are formed as in FIGS. 1-3
with one sheet containing the flow channel(s) 14. A flexible tubing
24 such as a rubber or polyolefinic tube is inserted into the flow
channel(s) 14 before the two sheets 4, 6 are attached to each
other. Such tubes are well known in the industry and may be made of
silicone, polyethylene, poly propylene, C-Flex.RTM. polymer and the
like. If desired the tubing may have reinforcement such as a braid
of fiberglass or metal to add additional pressure resistance to
it.
[0042] FIG. 12 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment the plastic sheets are formed as in FIGS. 8-9
with each sheet 4, 6 containing the flow channel(s) 14. A flexible
tubing 24 such as a rubber or polyolefinic tube is inserted into
the flow channel(s) 14 before the two sheets 4, 6 are attached to
each other. Such tubes are well known in the industry and may be
made of silicone, polyethylene, polypropylene, C-Flex.RTM. polymer
and the like. If desired the tubing may have reinforcement such as
a braid of fiberglass or metal to add additional pressure
resistance to it.
[0043] FIG. 13 shows a fitting 18A in the tubing 24 contained
within the flow channel 14. If desired a hose barb 30 can be used
to secure the fitting to the tubing 24. Alternatively, one can
adhere, friction fit or melt bond the fitting 18A to the tubing 24.
While shown with the embodiment in which both sheets 4, 6 have a
channel 14, one can use a similar device in the embodiment with
only a channel 14 formed in one sheet 4 or 6.
[0044] The sheets can be made from a plastic selected from the
group consisting of polyolefins, polycarbonates, epoxies,
fiberglass reinforced thermosets, carbon reinforced thermosets,
carbon composites, polysulphones and polyetherimides.
[0045] The one or more flow channels can be formed in the rigid
plastic sheet(s) in a variety of manners. For example it can be
vacuum formed by preparing a pattern of the flow channel
configuration on a mold, heating the plastic sheet until it is soft
and then applying a vacuum to the plastic sheet so as to pull it
against the pattern and form the channel configuration.
Alternatively, if the plastic thick enough it may be formed by
removing the plastic in the areas of the desired flow path such as
by a router or a CNC milling machine, a laser or chemical etching.
In another embodiment, the plastic is melt cast or solvent cast
over a pattern containing the pattern of the flow channel
configuration (either as a positive or a negative pattern) and it
is allowed to cool or evaporate the solvent. For thermosets, a
similar process may be used and the thermoset is allowed to cure or
set against the pattern to form the device.
[0046] The holes 22 may be formed as part of the process of making
the sheets such as when the sheets are cast or they may be formed
afterward such as by drilling or laser etching the hole in the
desired location.
[0047] Once formed, the two sheets are aligned and securely held
together in a liquid tight manner. This may be accomplished by
adhesives that hold the two sheets together, or by solvents that
selectively dissolve a portion of the adjoining plastic of each
sheet and welds the two together as the solvent is evaporated. Heat
sealing and heat or sonic or ultrasonic welding can also be used.
Lasers and heat platens can be used for the heat welding.
Alternatively, the two sheets can be secured by clamps around their
edges. This may in some instances necessitate the use of a
peripheral gasket. Likewise, a series of nuts and bolts or rivets,
optionally with a peripheral gasket can be used to seal the sheets
together.
[0048] At the edge of the sheets where the flow channel exits or
enter the sheets, one can mount a fitting to the opening to allow
for the attachment of tubing, filters, and other such ancillary
equipment. In many instances the fitting can be an elastomer
material that is simply compressed and held in the flow channel as
shown in FIG. 3. Optionally, it may be retained simply by a
friction fit between the inner diameter of the flow cannel and the
outer diameter of the fitting. The use of adhesives, heat or sonic
welding or solvent welding may also be used depending upon the
material selected. As shown in FIG. 13, the flow channel(s) 14 may
be formed with a retention device such as an undercut 100. While
shown as a rectangular undercut, it could be any other shape that
retains the fitting.
[0049] A device according to the present invention is made in the
following manner. A lay out or design of the flow channel is
charted and then a mold is formed such as by laying out metal or
wood half round pieces. The pieces can be bent or cut to the
particular configuration desired. The pieces are attached to a flat
surface such as a vacuum board for a vacuform machine. If desired
or required, the pieces can be treated with a release agent such as
silicone or various machine, mineral or vegetable oils or waxes
(natural or synthetic) to ensure the mold does not stick to the
plastic sheet. Alternatively a PTFE coating can be applied to the
pieces.
[0050] A piece of rigid plastic of a size to fit the board is then
either simply placed over the board and pieces and then heated such
as by a heat lamp or heat gun or the plastic sheet is heated until
it is pliable first and then applied to the board. The plastic is
clamped in place and a vacuum is drawn to pull the pliable plastic
against the mold. The plastic is cooled and released from the
board.
[0051] If only one sheet is to contain the channel(s), it then
secured to a flat sheet of plastic such that the channel(s) is
formed at the interface between the faces of the two sheets.
[0052] If both sheets are to contain the channel(s) either a second
sheet is simply made or if it is complicated a second mold which
mirrors the first (ie is reciprocal to the first) is made and a
second sheet is formed in a similar manner to the first.
[0053] The same type of mold can be used with plastic that is
formed from molten material which is poured over the mold or
fiberglass or other composites by manufacturing the sheets over the
mold(s) and using squeegees or rollers to ensure a good molded
surface.
[0054] Another method making the device is to simply rout out the
channel(s) with a router device or CNC machine or laser or chemical
etch as described above.
[0055] If the device will contain tubing it is inserted between the
sheets before they are secured together. If no separate tubing is
used, the end fittings are secured between the sheets before or
during when they are secured together. In the case of no separate
tubing being in the channel(s), one may want to wash or flush the
channel(s) before use to remove any release agent that may be left.
Alternatively, this can be done as each sheet is made.
[0056] Once the sheets have been made and secured to each other,
the fittings are attached to a supply of liquid and a means to hold
the processed material such as a bag, tank, and the like. The
liquid is run through the channel(s) and treated such as by a
filter that is in line in the device.
* * * * *