Automated Aseptic Sampling Workstations and Sample Collection Devices Therefore

Abstract

A sample collection device is provided. The collection device includes an input conduit, a plurality of automated sample collection bags, a waste collection bag, and a valve block. The input conduit is connectable to a fluid processing line. The automated sample collection bags each have a sample volume and the waste collection bag has a waste volume. The valve block a plurality of three-way valves and an output, where the plurality of three-way valves correspond in number to the plurality of automated sample collection bags, each of the three-way valves placing the input conduit in fluid communication with a different one of the plurality of sample collection bags. The output is in fluid communication with the waste collection bag. The collection device has a ratio of the waste volume to the sample volume of not more than 15:1.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sample collection device, comprising:
 an input conduit being connectable to a fluid processing line;   a plurality of automated sample collection bags each having a sample volume;   a waste collection bag having a waste volume;   a valve block having a plurality of three-way valves and an output, the plurality of three-way valves corresponding in number to the plurality of sample collection bags, each of the three-way valves placing the input conduit in fluid communication with a different one of the plurality of sample collection bags, the output being in fluid communication with the waste collection bag, and   a ratio of the waste volume to the sample volume is not more than 15:1.   
     
     
         2 . The sample collection device of  claim 1 , wherein the ratio is 10:1. 
     
     
         3 . The sample collection device of  claim 1 , wherein the ratio is between 5:1 to 2:1. 
     
     
         4 . The sample collection device of  claim 1 , further comprising a machine readable label on the valve block, the machine readable label including information regarding physical characteristics of the sample collection device. 
     
     
         5 . The sample collection device of  claim 4 , wherein the physical characteristics are selected from the group consisting of a lot number, an expiration date, a number of the sample bags, a number of the waste bag, a volume of each sample bag, a volume of the waste bag, and any combinations thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The sample collection device of  claim 1 , further comprising a first part of a two-part aseptic connector on the input conduit. 
     
     
         7 . The sample collection device of  claim 1 , further comprising a disposable flow meter in the input conduit. 
     
     
         8 . A sample collection device, comprising:
 an input conduit being connectable to a fluid processing line;   a plurality of automated sample collection bags each having a sample volume;   a valve block having a plurality of three-way valves, the plurality of three-way valves corresponding in number to the plurality of sample collection bags, each of the three-way valves placing the input conduit in fluid communication with a different one of the plurality of sample collection bags; and   a first part of a two-part aseptic connector on the input conduit.   
     
     
         9 . The sample collection device of  claim 8 , further comprising a machine readable label on the valve block, the machine readable label including information regarding physical characteristics of the sample collection device. 
     
     
         10 . The sample collection device of  claim 8 , further comprising a disposable flow meter in the input conduit. 
     
     
         11 . The sample collection device of  claim 8 , wherein the valve block further comprises an output. 
     
     
         12 . The sample collection device of  claim 11 , wherein the output is in fluid communication with a waste collection bag having a waste volume sufficient to allow flushing to the waste collection bag prior to collecting a sample in each of the sample collection bags. 
     
     
         13 . The sample collection device of  claim 12 , further comprising a ratio of the waste volume to the sample volume is not more than 15:1. 
     
     
         14 . The sample collection device of  claim 13 , wherein the ratio is 10:1. 
     
     
         15 . The sample collection device of  claim 13 , wherein the ratio is between 5:1 to 2:1. 
     
     
         16 . The sample collection device of  claim 11 , wherein each of the plurality of three-way valves is movable by rotation of a valve handle among an off position, a flush position, and a sample position,
 wherein, when in the off position, each valve prevents fluid from the input conduit from flowing to either the output or any of the plurality of automated sample collection bags,   wherein, when in the flush position, each valve allows fluid from the input conduit to flow through the output, but prevents flow toward any of the plurality of automated sample collection bags, and   wherein, when in the sample position, each valve allows fluid from the input conduit to flow to a respective one of the plurality of automated sample collection bags and prevents flow to the output.