| 摘要 |
A hygienic insert connector assembly that prevents biological contamination within food, beverage and biopharma processes includes an insert to pass through an opening into a fluid chamber, a support assembly, a seal disposed around the insert to seal the opening into the fluid chamber, and a seal compression mechanism. When the seal is axially compressed, the seal radially expands and contacts both the wall of the opening into the fluid chamber and the insert to collectively form a fluid tight seal. This eliminates the potential for product entrapment with the associated biological contamination risk, and allows efficient in-place cleaning and sterilization. The connector assembly can be installed in any orientation and functions such that positive pressure inside the fluid chamber enhances the sealing mechanism. The simple design enables the insert to be easily removed, examined, and re-inserted in conformance with international sanitary design standards. |
