摘要 |
A fluid flow control apparatus for use in separation and filtration is described which has a removable sterilisable/disposable element (27) which is engageable with a fixed portion (26). When engaged the flow of fluid around a fluid circuit is controlled to optimise separation. The removable element (27) may be combined with a filter unit (16) to form a unitary disposable cassette (90). Sensors (38, 40; 165, 167) can be incorporated in the apparatus for measuring fluid parameters such as pressure, viscosity and pH. Pressure sensors (165, 167; 226, 228) disposed at the filter inlet and outlet, are used to control the transmembrane pressure (TMP) to optimise filtration or separation and in one application this is used in controlling donor plasma separation. |