Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Modified polyolefin: Tygon LFL (
www.tygon.com
)
; chemically resis-
tant, flexible, long-lasting
Modified polyvinyl chloride: Tygon LFL, chemical resistant, long-lasting
There are new products introduced routinely, and the reader is recom-
mended to refer to current information on these products. One of the best
sources to meet just about all needs for tubing is Saint-Gobain; one ought to
consult with them first.
Fittings and Accessories
Connections between bags or other process stages are done by fittings
that come in a wide range of configurations, materials, and sterility. This
includes straight couplers, Y-couplers, T-couplers, cross couplers, elbow
couplers, and barbed plugs. This is necessary to allow ready solutions
to go through the often complex routines of liquids in a bioprocessing
facility. The size of these connectors ranges from
1
/
16
to 1 inch in most
instances; often-incompatible sizes are downgraded or upgraded by
interim connectors called reduction couplers that are available for most
types of connectors.
The barbed plug is the most convenient as it can be easily patented with
ties to provide a very secure connection.
The tube-to-tube fittings can serve to change the size and are available in
a variety of connection options. Also available are caps to close the tube end
with the connector attached to transport the components.
LuerLok
Male and female parts are connected securely via a thread;
suitable for small-volume flow rates (hose barb: 1,116-3,116
in.).
Sanitary fittings
Also known as tri-clamps (TC) genderless; a clamp connects
both parts and secures a gasket between them. A connection
with conventional sanitary fittings made of stainless steel is
also possible (hose barb: 1/4-1 in.).
Quick (dis)connect fittings
Male and female parts are connected securely via a click
mechanism. An O-ring fitted to the male part provides the
seal. Pressing a button on the female part breaks the
connection (hose barb: 3/8-1.5 in. also with sanitary
termination).
Clamps are used for blocking or regulating flows and come in a variety of
types, the most common being the inch clamp for quick starting and stop-
ping flow; ratchet clamps adjust the flow rates. Special clamps with mechan-
ical power transmission such as from Biovalves (
www.biouretech.com
),
