Method and disposable device for sampling and distributing a liquid, for example, in sterile conditions

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of distributing a fluid. According to the invention, the following elements are connected simultaneously to a valve ( 1 ) which comprises multiple inlets and outlets and which is equipped with a check valve, namely: a fluid sampling and injecting device, such as a syringe ( 2 ); a gas (e.g. air) supply conduit; a supply conduit for the liquid to be distributed; and a discharge conduit ( 6 ). The inventive method consists in: drawing in the liquid to be distributed in order to transfer same to the sampling and injecting device ( 2 ), injecting the liquid into the discharge conduit ( 6 ), drawing in the gas in order to transfer same to the sampling and injecting device ( 2 ), and injecting the gas into the discharge conduit ( 6 ) in order to push the remaining liquid into the discharge conduit ( 6 ). The invention also relates to a device and kit for implementing said method.

1 . Method for distribution of a fluid characterized in that 
 a) there are connected simultaneously to a multiple inlet and outlet valve ( 1 ) equipped with a non-return valve 
 a fluid sampling and injection device such as a syringe ( 2 ),  
 an inlet pipe for gas such as air,  
 an inlet pipe for liquid to be distributed  
 an outlet pipe ( 6 ),  
   b) the liquid to be distributed is drawn off in order to be transferred into the sampling and injection device ( 2 ),    c) it is injected into the outlet pipe ( 6 ),    d) gas is drawn off in order to be transferred into the sampling and injection device ( 2 ),    e) the gas is injected into the outlet pipe ( 6 ) in order to push the liquid remaining in the outlet pipe ( 6 ).    
   
   
       2 . A method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the inlet pipe ( 4 ) for liquid to be distributed is connected to several containers containing several liquids to be distributed.  
   
   
       3 . A method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the inlet pipe ( 4 ) for liquid to be distributed is connected to a container containing a rinsing liquid.  
   
   
       4 . A method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the liquid inlet pipe ( 4 ) is supplied by several supply tubes ( 3 ), each being equipped with a valve ( 10 E).  
   
   
       5 . A method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the gas originates from a branch pipe provided on the liquid inlet pipe ( 4 ).  
   
   
       6 . A method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that a filter ( 8 ), for example a sterilizing filter, is provided on the gas inlet pipe ( 4 ).  
   
   
       7 . A method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the fluid sampling and injection device ( 2 ) is a dosing pump or a syringe.  
   
   
       8 . A method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the outlet pipe ( 6 ) opens into one or more collecting containers ( 7 ).  
   
   
       9 . A method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the outlet pipe ( 6 ) separates into several tubes ( 5 ), each being equipped with a valve ( 10 S).  
   
   
       10 . A method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the collecting container ( 7 ) is pre-connected (or the collecting containers).  
   
   
       11 . A method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that a mixture of several fractions of different liquids is collected.  
   
   
       12 . A method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the outlet pipe ( 6 ) is equipped with a branch towards a waste container ( 9 ), equipped with a valve ( 10 R).  
   
   
       13 . A method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the multiple inlet valve ( 1 ) is connected by a pipe to a rinsing liquid, a rinsing liquid is drawn off in order to be transferred into the sampling and injection device ( 2 ), and it is injected into the outlet pipe ( 6 ) in order to be transferred towards a waste-recovery container ( 9 ).  
   
   
       14 . A method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the inlet pipe ( 4 ) for liquid to be distributed is supplied by 3 containers for liquid to be distributed or more.  
   
   
       15 . A method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the outlet pipe ( 6 ) opens into 3 collecting containers of the liquid or liquids distributed or more.  
   
   
       16 . A method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that it is implemented under sterile conditions, for example using disposable components.  
   
   
       17 . A device which can be used in a method as defined in  claim 1  characterized in that it comprises a multiple inlet and outlet valve ( 1 ) equipped with a non-return valve, said valve being provided 
 with an adapter for receiving the fluid sampling and injection device such as a syringe (Luer-lock® type for example),    with an inlet pipe for gas (for example air),    with an inlet pipe ( 4 ) for liquid to be distributed    with an outlet pipe ( 6 ).    
   
   
       18 . A device according to  claim 17 , characterized in that the outlet pipe ( 6 ) is equipped with a branch towards a waste container ( 9 ).  
   
   
       19 . A device according to  claim 17 , characterized in that the inlet pipe ( 4 ) for liquid to be distributed comprises an adaptation system for cooperating with a container containing a liquid to be distributed.  
   
   
       20 . A device according to  claim 17 , characterized in that the inlet pipe ( 4 ) for liquid to be distributed comprises a shared section on the side of the multiple inlet and outlet valve and a set of tubes ( 3 ) for several containers containing a liquid to be distributed.  
   
   
       21 . A device according to  claim 17 , characterized in that the gas inlet pipe is connected onto the shared section of the inlet pipe ( 4 ) for liquid to be distributed.  
   
   
       22 . A device according to  claim 17 , characterized in that the outlet pipe ( 6 ) comprises a shared section on the side of the multiple inlet and outlet valve and a set of tubes ( 5 ) for several containers having to contain the liquid distributed.  
   
   
       23 . A fluid distribution unit characterized in that it comprises 
 a multiple inlet and outlet valve ( 1 ) equipped with a non-return valve, said valve being equipped with a fluid sampling and injection device such as a syringe or an adapter such as a cone for adapting a syringe, and    two pipes ( 4 , 6 ), one being equipped with a branch, or four pipes and a branch end piece.