WO2025078462A1 - Module for conveying a fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates in particular to a module (100) for conveying a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, having: a main body (102); and a first fluid reservoir (110) which is held on the main body (102), in particular in an exchangeable manner, and in which it is possible to store a conveyable and/or a conveyed fluid, in particular a conveyable and/or a conveyed biological fluid, which can be conveyed to and/or from a conveying region (112), wherein the first fluid reservoir (110) and the conveying region (112) are separated from each other atmospherically by means of the main body (102), such that the conveyable fluid is conveyed, by air pressure difference, from the first fluid reservoir (110) into the conveying region (112) and/or from the conveying region (112) into the first fluid reservoir (110). The present invention further relates to an associated system (172), an associated installation (188) and an associated method.

Description

Module for the conveyance of a fluid

The present invention relates to a module for conveying a fluid, in particular a biological fluid.

Advantageously, the present invention relates to a module for the treatment, in particular the irradiation, of a fluid, in particular a biological fluid.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system, a plant and a method for the irradiation of a fluid, in particular a biological fluid.

Particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, e.g. with regard to the production of medicinal products such as vaccines and/or ATMPs (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products) and in particular personalized therapeutics, a particularly gentle conveyance of fluid starting materials may be necessary, for example to avoid damage to suspended components in the fluid starting material and/or to enable gentle administration and/or dispensing and/or dosing of the fluid starting material.

In the aforementioned area, in particular the aforementioned examples, and/or with a view to sterilizing and/or inactivating certain substances such as pathogens, irradiation treatment processes are carried out on, in particular, fluidic starting materials and/or intermediate products. Such particularly gentle conveying can also be advantageous and/or necessary in this case. Important aspects or challenges in such treatment processes can also include, for example, a high degree of sterility during implementation, as well as flow conditions and/or flow properties of, in particular, fluidic starting materials and/or intermediate products.

Furthermore, in the pharmaceutical sector, individual and/or micro-production can be associated with high costs, and there is often no possibility for large-scale application and/or industrial production of individual and/or micro-batch sizes. One challenge in this context can be the scalability of available technology, for example, available devices. The present invention is therefore based on the object of solving the aforementioned problems and in particular of providing a module for conveying a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, which can preferably be used safely and/or efficiently and/or scalably and/or which can advantageously be used for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

A module according to the invention for conveying a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, comprises: a base body; and a first fluid reservoir, which is held on the base body in a particularly exchangeable manner and in which a fluid to be conveyed and/or a conveyed fluid, in particular a biological fluid to be conveyed and/or a conveyed fluid, can be stored, which can be conveyed to and/or from a conveying region.

The first fluid reservoir and the conveying area are atmospherically separated from each other by means of the base body for the air pressure difference-induced conveying of the fluid to be conveyed from the first fluid reservoir into the conveying area and/or from the conveying area into the first fluid reservoir.

It is understood that a pumped fluid can be obtained and/or achieved by pumping or conveying a fluid to be pumped.

For example, it can be provided that the fluid to be conveyed, when it is conveyed, can become the conveyed fluid and/or that the fluid to be conveyed can be the conveyed fluid when it exits the first fluid reservoir or the conveying region.

It is understood that the conveying region can be a region into which fluid can be conveyed. For example, the conveying region can be a conveying target region. It is further understood that the conveying region can additionally or alternatively be a region from which fluid can be conveyed. For example, the conveying region can be a conveying origin region. Examples of such a conveying area can be in particular: a reservoir for receiving and/or storing the fluid, in particular a fluid reservoir, for example a container, a sensor unit for analyzing the fluid, a tool unit for treating, e.g. for dividing, mixing, etc., the fluid and/or for fluid delivery and/or for fluid intake, etc. It is understood that the preceding list is exemplary and not exhaustive.

This can be understood in particular to mean that the module can have at least one of the following as the said conveying area: a reservoir for receiving and/or storing the fluid, in particular a fluid reservoir, for example a container, a sensor unit for analyzing the fluid, a tool unit for treating, e.g. for dividing and/or mixing, the fluid and/or for delivering the fluid and/or for receiving the fluid.

Furthermore, such a delivery region can also be, for example, a device for administering the fluid to a patient, for example a cannula, a needle and/or a tube-like element, e.g. a hose.

This can be understood in particular to mean that the module can have such a device as the said conveying area.

Furthermore, a said support area could also be a patient himself or a target area, e.g. a body cavity, of a patient.

For example, it can be provided that the module also serves for sampling and/or sample transfer of fluid, e.g. with cells, in particular a cell suspension, and/or with medication, e.g. for the extraction of pharmaceutical samples. This can preferably be used in cell cultivation and in particular in ATMP production and/or for the production of personalized medicine or where small quantities of medication are produced. For this purpose, the module can have at least the said tool unit for treating, e.g. for dividing, mixing, the fluid and/or for fluid dispensing and/or for fluid intake. Advantageously, the module can enable sampling and/or sample transfer with the highest degree of germ-freeness or sterility. Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided, for example, that the module is usable and/or serves in pharmaceutical research and/or development, microfluidics and/or nanotechnological fluidics.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided, for example, that the module is usable and/or serves for the precise, and preferably non-media-contacting or non-fluid-contacting, and controlled dispensing of fluids, in particular fluid-like medications. This can preferably be achieved by means of fluid reservoirs subjected to overpressure and/or underpressure, for example, bag-like fluid reservoirs, e.g., bags, or syringe-like fluid reservoirs, e.g., syringes, which can be included in particular by the module for this purpose.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided, for example, that the module is usable and/or serves for the aseptic and preferably non-media-contact or non-fluid-contact administration of fluidic medicaments and/or fluidic foodstuffs. For example, the module can be used or be usable and/or serve for hormone therapies, pediatric or neonatal care, chemotherapy, pain treatment and/or parenteral nutrition. This can preferably be carried out by means of fluid reservoirs subjected to overpressure and/or underpressure, for example bag-like fluid reservoirs, e.g. bags, or syringe-like fluid reservoirs, e.g. syringes, which can be included in particular for this purpose by the module. It is also understood that the said device for administering the fluid can also be included by the module.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided, for example, that the module is usable and/or serves for the production of pharmaceuticals. For example, the module can be used in sub-areas of pharmaceutical production, e.g., for diluting fluids, dissolving, or formulating medications, in particular vaccines. It is understood that the module comprises corresponding tool units for this purpose, e.g., a tool unit for treating, e.g., dividing and/or mixing, the fluid and/or for dispensing and/or receiving the fluid.

The module can, in particular, enable non-media-contact or non-fluid-contact production on a small scale, e.g., for pharmacies. Additionally or alternatively, the module can in particular enable a preferably aseptic dosing of fluid into filling containers, e.g., bottles or vials, by means of overpressure and/or negative pressure. For example, a fluid can be pushed or pulled into the filling container through a tool unit, e.g., a dispensing needle, by means of an overpressure surrounding the (first) fluid reservoir or a negative pressure surrounding the filling containers. Filling containers, e.g., bottles or vials, with an integrated piston are also conceivable, wherein the piston can be moved by means of overpressure and/or negative pressure. It is further understood that syringes with fluid can also be pre-drawn or pre-drawn in this way, and the module can, for example, form a syringe pre-filling module that can fill the syringes based on an air pressure difference, thus avoiding complex and, in particular, mechanical filling mechanisms.

It should also be understood that a fluid can, in particular, be gaseous and/or liquid. Furthermore, it is understood that a fluid can additionally or alternatively also be quasi-fluidic and/or have at least partially fluidic properties, such as powdered and/or pasty conveying materials, preferably from the pharmaceutical and/or life science sectors, or even particulate conveying materials, such as grain.

It can be provided that the first fluid reservoir is held in a region of the base body which is designed as an atmospherically closed or closable chamber in which an air pressure can be generated which is different from the air pressure in the conveying region.

It can be provided that the module comprises a second fluid reservoir, which is held on the base body in particular in an exchangeable manner, which forms the conveying region and in which a conveyed fluid, in particular a conveyed biological fluid, can be stored and which can be or is connected to the first fluid reservoir, for example directly or indirectly.

For example, it can be provided that the first fluid reservoir is a reactant reservoir and the second fluid reservoir is a product reservoir. For example, a fluid to be pumped can be understood as a reactant and a pumped fluid as a product. It can be provided that the first fluid reservoir is held in a first region of the base body and the second fluid reservoir is held in a second region of the base body, wherein at least one of the two regions of the base body is designed as an atmospherically closed or closable chamber in which an air pressure can be generated which is different from the air pressure in the other region.

It may preferably be provided that the second region is formed as said chamber.

It may preferably be provided that a negative pressure can be generated in the chamber with respect to the other area.

The module may be used to treat a fluid, in particular a biological fluid. For example, the module for conveying a fluid may be used to treat the fluid.

It can be provided that the module comprises a treatment component which is arranged on the base body and which has a treatment region through which fluid to be treated can be conducted.

The treatment component can be arranged downstream of the first fluid reservoir and can be or be fluidically connected to the first fluid reservoir on the inlet side.

For example, the treatment component can be designed as a sensor unit for analyzing the fluid and/or as a tool unit for treating the fluid, e.g., for dividing, mixing, irradiating, separating, heating, cooling, energizing, etc.

The said sensor unit can, for example, be used to analyze process parameters of the fluid and can, for example, be configured to capture, detect and/or determine at least one of the following: at least one temperature, at least one particle, for example at least one particle concentration, at least one vibration, at least one acceleration, at least one cell number, at least one cell density, at least one turbidity, for example at least one light absorption due to a Liquid turbidity, at least one gas composition, at least one gas, for example CO2, and/or at least one chemical substance, in particular at least one biochemical substance, for example at least one metabolite.

The module may be used for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid. For example, the module may be used for conveying a fluid, for treating the fluid, and in particular for irradiating the fluid.

For example, the treatment may be irradiation, so that the module may be used for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid.

It can be provided that the treatment component is at least one irradiation component which is arranged on the base body and which has an irradiation region through which fluid to be irradiated can be conducted.

For example, the irradiation area of the at least one irradiation component may correspond to the treatment area of the treatment component.

It can be provided that the first fluid reservoir is an educt reservoir, which is held on the base body in particular in an exchangeable manner, in which a fluid to be irradiated, in particular a biological fluid to be irradiated, can be stored and which can be or is connected fluidically to the at least one irradiation component on the input side.

It can be provided that the second fluid reservoir is a product reservoir which is held on the base body in particular in an exchangeable manner, in which an irradiated fluid, in particular an irradiated biological fluid, can be stored and which can be or is connected fluidically to the at least one irradiation component on the output side.

It can be provided that the reactant reservoir and the product reservoir are kept atmospherically separated from one another on the base body for the purpose of conveying the fluid to be irradiated from the reactant reservoir through the at least one irradiation component and subsequently into the product reservoir, as a result of the air pressure difference. For example, a module according to the invention can be provided for the irradiation of a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, wherein the module can comprise the following: a base body; at least one irradiation component, which is arranged on the base body and which has an irradiation region through which the fluid to be irradiated can be conducted; an educt reservoir, which is held on the base body in a particularly exchangeable manner, in which a fluid to be irradiated, in particular a biological fluid to be irradiated, can be stored and which is fluidically connectable or connected to the at least one irradiation component on the input side; and a product reservoir, which is held on the base body in a particularly exchangeable manner, in which an irradiated fluid, in particular an irradiated biological fluid, can be stored and which is fluidically connectable or connected to the at least one irradiation component on the output side,

- wherein the reactant reservoir and the product reservoir are held atmospherically separated from one another on the base body for conveying the fluid to be irradiated from the reactant reservoir through the at least one irradiation component and subsequently into the product reservoir, as a result of the air pressure difference.

It is understood that an irradiated fluid can be obtained and/or achieved by irradiating a fluid to be irradiated.

For example, it can be provided that the fluid to be irradiated, when it is passed through the irradiation area of the at least one irradiation component and is irradiated in the process, can become the irradiated fluid and/or can be the irradiated fluid upon exiting the irradiation area.

Examples of a biological fluid may include, in particular: a protein suspension, a virus suspension, a cell medium with or without cells, a cell suspension, a bacterial suspension, etc. It is understood that the above list is exemplary and not exhaustive. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid may comprise one or more and/or a combination of the previously described elements. It can be provided that the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, is held interchangeably on the base body or is held non-interchangeably, for example is fastened, or is formed integrally with the base body.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir, is held interchangeably on the base body or is held non-interchangeably, for example is fastened, or is formed integrally with the base body.

For example, the first and/or the second fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir and/or the product reservoir, can be designed as a bag-like and/or container-like element, e.g. as a fluid bag, as a syringe, etc.

For example, the first and/or the second fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir and/or the product reservoir, can be formed as part of the base body.

For example, the first and/or the second fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir and/or the product reservoir, can comprise a respective fluid opening which, with respect to the intended use of the first and/or the second fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir and/or the product reservoir, is arranged at a lower, preferably lowest, point or position of the first and/or the second fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir and/or the product reservoir, with respect to the direction of gravity, in particular in order to enable a continuous and/or uniform and preferably complete fluid removal and/or addition.

It can be provided that the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, comprises a fluid inlet for supplying fluid into the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, and in particular into the treatment area, in particular the irradiation area, and a fluid outlet for discharging fluid from the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, and in particular from the treatment area, in particular the irradiation area. The fluid inlet of the treatment component, in particular of the at least one irradiation component, can be fluidically connectable or connected directly or indirectly to the reactant reservoir, for example on the inlet side relative to the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component.

The fluid outlet of the treatment component, in particular of the at least one irradiation component, can be fluidically connectable or connected to the product reservoir directly or indirectly, for example on the outlet side relative to the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component.

Preferably, the treatment region, in particular the irradiation region, of the treatment component, in particular of the at least one irradiation component, can be fluidically arranged between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

For example, the treatment area, in particular the irradiation area, can be covered or covered by means of a cover element which is transparent, semi-transparent or opaque in order to seal the treatment area, in particular the irradiation area, from the outside.

It can be provided that the cover element is designed as a film-like element and/or comprises such a element.

For example, the cover element can be manufactured or made of plastic, which is preferably transparent or semi-transparent and/or can advantageously be used with low radiation doses.

For example, the cover element can be manufactured or produced from a metal, preferably titanium, which is preferably non-transparent or opaque and/or can advantageously be used at high radiation doses and is free or almost free from changes in properties. Furthermore, it can be advantageous here that said cover element can be made of metal, preferably titanium, with high strength and can be very thin.

It can be provided that the treatment area, in particular the irradiation area, is exposed to the outside in relation to the base body. It can be provided that the treatment area, in particular the irradiation area, is formed by and/or comprises at least one fluid channel, for example, one or more fluid channels. It is understood that this can also comprise exactly one fluid channel.

This can be understood in particular to mean that the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, has at least one fluid channel through which fluid to be treated, in particular irradiated, can be conducted.

For example, fluid to be treated, in particular irradiated, can be subjected to a treatment, in particular radiation, in the at least one fluid channel.

It can be provided that the at least one fluid channel is designed in a meandering shape and in particular runs in a meandering shape.

It can be provided that a fluid channel branches and in particular divides into a plurality of fluid channels, in particular on the inlet side relative to the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, which then run substantially parallel to one another and preferably linearly next to one another and are then again combined into a fluid channel, in particular on the outlet side relative to the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component.

It can be provided that several fluid channels branch off from a fluid channel or from a distribution channel and/or distribution reservoir, in particular on the inlet side relative to the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, which then run essentially parallel to one another and preferably linearly next to one another and are then brought together again, in particular on the outlet side relative to the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, in a further fluid channel or a merging channel and/or merging reservoir.

It can be provided that a fluid channel is designed to be branch-free and, in particular, free of divisions. This can preferably be the case if exactly one fluid channel is provided relative to the treatment area. It can be provided that the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, is designed as a fluid chip, in particular as a microfluidic chip, and/or comprises such a chip.

It can be provided that a predefined and/or predeterminable fluid target throughput and/or a predefined and/or predeterminable process medium can be assigned to the treatment component, in particular to the at least one irradiation component. For example, depending on the application, one or more treatment components, in particular irradiation components, can be provided, which can be adapted with regard to a fluid target throughput and/or a process medium. For example, several treatment components, in particular irradiation components, can form an application system that is in particular individually adaptable, in which several treatment components, in particular irradiation components, are provided for in particular different types of fluid.

As already described, it can be provided, for example, that the first fluid reservoir is a reactant reservoir and the second fluid reservoir is a product reservoir.

For example, it can be provided that the reactant reservoir is held in one or the first region of the base body and the product reservoir is held in one or the second region of the base body, wherein at least one of the two regions of the base body is designed as one or the atmospherically closed or closable chamber in which an air pressure can be generated which is different from the air pressure in the other region.

As already described, it can preferably be provided that the second region is designed as said chamber.

As already described, it can preferably be provided that a negative pressure can be generated in the chamber with respect to the other area.

It can be provided that the module comprises at least one sensor unit for detecting a volume flow of conveyed fluid, which sensor unit is arranged between the first fluid reservoir and the conveying region, in particular the second fluid reservoir. It can be provided that the module comprises at least one sensor unit for detecting a volume flow of conveyed fluid, which is arranged between the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, and the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the module comprises at least one sensor unit for detecting a volume flow of conveyed fluid, which sensor unit is arranged between the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, and the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the module comprises at least one sensor unit for detecting a volume flow of conveyed fluid, which sensor unit is arranged in or on the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, and/or in or on the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the module comprises at least one sensor unit for detecting a volume flow of conveyed fluid, which sensor unit is integrated in the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, and in particular in the treatment region, in particular the irradiation region, of the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component.

For example, this integrated sensor unit can be arranged and/or arranged in and/or on the at least one fluid channel, preferably integrated, for detecting a volume flow of a fluid passed through the at least one fluid channel.

It can be provided that a respective sensor unit is designed inline to detect a volume flow of conveyed fluid.

It can be provided that a respective sensor unit for detecting a volume flow of pumped fluid is designed to be sterilizable and preferably autoclavable.

It can be provided that a respective sensor unit for detecting a volume flow of pumped fluid is non-fluid-contacting and is preferably designed as a clamp-on sensor. It can be provided that a respective sensor unit for detecting a volume flow of pumped fluid comprises a pressure sensor, a load cell, strain gauges, a light barrier, etc. and/or the sensor system comprises a sensor operating on magnetic principles, a sensor operating on optical principles, a sensor operating on capacitive principles, a sensor operating on acoustic principles, etc. It can be particularly advantageous if the sensor unit comprises contactless sensors, such as ultrasonic sensors and/or capacitive sensors.

For example, a sensor unit configured as a load cell and/or strain gauge can be arranged on the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir, by means of which an effective volume flow can be detected and/or determined via a temporal change in weight. This can preferably be used for quasi-fluidic conveying materials, such as powdered and/or pasty conveying materials, preferably from the pharmaceutical and/or life science sectors, or even particulate conveying materials, such as grain. Advantageously, the module can be or is operated, for example, in a packaging system.

For example, a sensor unit can be designed and configured to detect and/or determine the volume flow, for example, the transferred fluid volume, based on the evacuated gas and/or air volume from the region surrounding the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir, which can preferably be bag-shaped. Alternatively, it can be provided, for example, that a sensor unit designed as a pressure sensor can detect an ambient pressure in said region in order to detect and/or determine the volume flow.

It can be provided that the module comprises a pumping device for generating an air pressure difference with respect to the first fluid reservoir and the conveying region, which are atmospherically separated from one another by means of the base body.

It can be provided that the module comprises a pumping device for generating an air pressure difference with respect to the first and second fluid reservoirs, in particular reactant reservoirs and product reservoirs, which are kept atmospherically separated from one another on the base body. Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided that such a pumping device for providing said air pressure difference can be connected and/or assigned to the module.

For example, the pumping device can also be understood and/or referred to as a pressure device and/or air pressure difference device.

It can be provided that the pumping device for generating the air pressure difference is controllable on the basis of a detected volume flow value of a sensor unit.

It can be provided that the pumping device is designed as a vacuum pumping device and/or comprises such a device.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the pumping device is designed as an overpressure pumping device and/or comprises such a device.

This can be understood in particular to mean that the pumping device can comprise, for example, a vacuum pumping device and an overpressure pumping device and/or can be formed from these two.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the pumping device is designed as and/or comprises a pressure vessel, for example, a pressure vessel and/or a vacuum vessel. Preferably, the pressure vessel can be pre-pressurized or pre-pressurized with an overpressure or a vacuum. For example, the pressure vessel can be pre-filled and, in particular, pressurized, or emptied and, in particular, vacuum-pressurized.

It can be provided that the pumping device comprises a pressure regulator and/or such a regulator is assigned to the pumping device, wherein the pressure regulator can be used to switch back and forth between overpressure and underpressure, for example with a control unit, which will be described in particular in the following explanations.

It is understood that the pressure regulator can also be provided with a pressure exerted on the fluid reservoirs, and in particular on the said chamber, by means of a A pumping device designed as a pressure vessel can be controlled, whereby a volume flow of the fluid can be adjusted. It is also conceivable here that an adjustable valve, e.g. a pinch valve, can be provided, which can take on the function of a pressure regulator, whereby a volume flow of the fluid can be adjusted. Furthermore, it can be provided that the chamber itself forms an overpressure and/or a vacuum vessel and an adjustable valve, e.g. a pinch valve, can be provided, for example between the fluid reservoirs, in order to be able to adjust the volume flow of the fluid.

For example, it can be provided that a pressure regulator, in particular a pressure regulator controllable via the control unit, is provided, which can be connected or is connected to the control unit in terms of signal technology and can be connected or is connected to the pumping device in terms of fluidity.

For example, the pressure regulator can have two fluidic inlets and one fluidic outlet, wherein the vacuum pumping device can be connected or is connected to one inlet and the overpressure pumping device of the pumping device formed by the vacuum pumping device and the overpressure pumping device can be connected or is connected to the other inlet, and a negative pressure or an overpressure can be provided or is provided at the outlet accordingly for generating the said air pressure difference with respect to the first and second fluid reservoirs, in particular the reactant reservoir and the product reservoir, which are kept atmospherically separate from one another on the base body.

It can be provided that the area of the base body in which the first fluid reservoir is held, for example, the said chamber, can be subjected to a negative or positive pressure by means of the pumping device relative to the delivery area. This can, for example, enable the delivery of fluids based on an air pressure difference.

It can be provided that the region of the base body in which the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir, is held, for example, the said chamber, can be subjected to a negative or positive pressure by means of the pumping device relative to the region of the base body in which the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, is held. This can, for example, enable the conveyance of fluids induced by an air pressure difference. Preferably, a negative pressure can be applied here. The negative pressure can be used to convey fluid from the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, to the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir.

Optionally, it can be provided that by means of the pumping device an overpressure can be generated in the region of the base body in which the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir, is held, in order to convey a fluidic conditioning medium, which can be stored or is stored in the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir, preferably pre-filled, to the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir.

For example, this can be understood as a conveying process preceding the actual fluid conveying from the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, to the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir.

For example, this can be understood as a preceding process step.

This allows, for example, the module or the fluid components in the module to be prefilled with fluid, and any air present can be conveyed and, in particular, forced into the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, where it rises. Thus, it is conceivable that a treatment process, in particular an irradiation process, can be started directly with fluid. Furthermore, the formation of bubbles in the fluid can be reduced.

It can be provided that air can be sucked in and/or expelled via the pumping device from a direct environment of the module, for example an irradiation chamber, and/or from an indirect environment of the module, for example an environment of a direct environment of the module, for example an environment of an irradiation chamber, in order to generate the air pressure difference for the air pressure difference-induced conveyance of fluid.

It can be provided that the pumping device comprises a filter device, for example an activated carbon filter and/or a microfilter, in particular for filtering microbiological substances, via which the pumping device sucks in and/or expels air during operation with respect to its surroundings, for example an irradiation chamber and/or an environment of an irradiation chamber. It is understood that a conveyance of fluid between the first and second fluid reservoirs, in particular the reactant reservoir and the product reservoir, induced by an air pressure difference may be conceivable with and/or without the pumping device. For example, an environment in which the module is or can be arranged may be subjected to a vacuum, and an interior of the module may have an atmospheric pressure. The region of the module in which the second fluid reservoir is held may be connectable to the environment, for example via a controllable valve and/or a controllable pressure equalization device, so that a negative pressure relative to the first fluid reservoir is possible in this region if a corresponding connection of the region to the environment is realized, for example via the controllable valve and/or the controllable pressure equalization device. For example, an irradiation chamber in which the module is or can be arranged can be subjected to a vacuum, and an interior of the module can have an atmospheric pressure, wherein the region of the module in which the product reservoir is held can be connected to the irradiation chamber, for example via a controllable valve and/or a controllable pressure equalization device, so that a negative pressure with respect to the reactant reservoir is possible in this region if a corresponding connection of the region to the irradiation chamber is realized, for example via the controllable valve and/or the controllable pressure equalization device. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that comparable initial states can be conceivable, which can generate an air pressure difference with respect to the reactant reservoir and product reservoir, which are held atmospherically separated from one another on the base body, so that a conveying of fluid triggered by the air pressure difference can be possible.

It can be provided that a region of the base body in which the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, is held, is provided with a pressure compensation device by means of which an air pressure in this region of the base body can be adapted to an ambient air pressure of the module.

It can be provided that the pressure compensation device comprises a filter element.

Additionally or alternatively, the pressure compensation device may comprise an expandable receiving element, preferably an expandable bag element. This can, for example, compensate for a lack of volume that may arise due to fluid being pumped away. It can be provided that the module comprises a radiation absorber element for intercepting radiation and/or converting radiation into heat and/or bremsstrahlung, which is held on the base body and is exposed to the outside with respect to the base body and which surrounds at least one irradiation component at least partially, in particular in one plane, for example the at least one irradiation component can be embedded there.

This can be understood in particular to mean that, in the case of irradiation, the radiation absorber element intercepts the incoming radiation and converts it into heat and/or bremsstrahlung, e.g. X-rays.

It may be provided that the radiation is ionising radiation, in particular electron and/or UV radiation.

It may additionally or alternatively be provided that the radiation is electromagnetic radiation, in particular X-ray radiation and/or gamma radiation and/or UV radiation.

Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided that the radiation is high-energy electron radiation.

It may additionally or alternatively be provided that the radiation is radiation in the energy range from 80 keV to 300 keV, in particular from 150 keV to 300 keV, advantageously from 200 keV to 300 keV.

It can be provided that the radiation absorber element and the at least one irradiation component are designed as an integrated component or are designed as a pre-assembled or pre-assembled assembly.

It can be provided that the module comprises at least one sensor unit for detecting a temperature in the module, by means of which a temperature of a radiation absorber element of the module can be detected.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the module comprises at least one sensor unit for detecting a temperature in the module, by means of which a The temperature of the fluid upstream and/or downstream of the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, can be detected. For example, such a sensor unit can be arranged in or on a fluidic connection upstream and/or downstream of the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, in particular for (sensor-based) inline measurement of the temperature of the fluid in question.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the module comprises at least one sensor unit for detecting a temperature in the module, by means of which a temperature of the treatment component, in particular of the at least one irradiation component, can be detected.

It can be provided that a first sensor unit is arranged in and/or on the radiation absorber element and/or a second sensor unit is arranged on the at least one irradiation component and in particular on the irradiation region of the at least one irradiation component.

For example, the second sensor unit can be arranged and/or arranged in and/or on the at least one fluid channel, preferably integrated, for detecting a temperature of a fluid passing through the at least one fluid channel.

By means of the at least one sensor unit for detecting a temperature, in particular with respect to the radiation absorber element and/or the at least one irradiation component, a particularly targeted control of a temperature control, preferably cooling, of the module and preferably of the radiation absorber element and/or of the at least one irradiation component by a temperature control device for temperature control, preferably cooling, of the module can be enabled.

It can be provided that the module comprises a temperature control device for tempering, preferably cooling, the module.

Additionally or alternatively, the base body may comprise a receiving area in which a temperature control device for temperature control, preferably cooling, of the module can be received and accommodated. For example, one or two or more cooling lines of the temperature control device for supplying and/or discharging coolant can be received and accommodated there. It can be provided that the temperature control device can be arranged or is arranged adjacent to or directly adjacent to a radiation absorber element of the module and/or the at least one irradiation component, in particular for temperature control, preferably cooling, thereof. For example, contact cooling between the temperature control device and the radiation absorber element and/or the at least one irradiation component can be enabled.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the temperature control device is integrated into a radiation absorber element of the module and/or into the at least one irradiation component, in particular for controlling the temperature, preferably cooling, thereof. For example, one or more cooling channels for conducting a coolant can be integrated into the radiation absorber element and/or into the at least one irradiation component.

It can be provided that the temperature control device is controllable on the basis of a detected temperature value of the at least one sensor unit for detecting a temperature, preferably related to the fluid and/or the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component.

It can be provided that the temperature control device is controllable on the basis of a detected temperature value of the at least one sensor unit for detecting a temperature, in particular with respect to the radiation absorber element and/or the at least one irradiation component.

It can be provided that the module comprises at least one further temperature control device for temperature control, preferably cooling, of the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir.

This additional temperature control device can be arranged or located adjacent to or directly adjacent to the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir. For example, contact cooling between the additional temperature control device and the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, can be enabled.

For example, indirect cooling between the further temperature control device and the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, can be made possible by means of direct cooling of the area of the module in which the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, can be arranged or is arranged.

It is understood that a sensor unit for detecting a temperature of the fluid that can be stored in the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, can be provided on and/or in the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, by means of which sensor unit this further temperature control device can be controlled.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the module comprises at least one further temperature control device for temperature control, preferably cooling, of the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir.

This additional temperature control device can be arranged or located adjacent to or directly adjacent to the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir. For example, contact cooling between the additional temperature control device and the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir, can be enabled.

For example, indirect cooling between the further temperature control device and the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir, can be made possible by means of direct cooling of the region of the module in which the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir, can be arranged or is arranged.

It is understood that a sensor unit for detecting a temperature of the fluid that can be stored in the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir, can be provided on and/or in the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir, by means of which sensor unit this further temperature control device can be controlled.

It can be provided that the module comprises one or more valves for fluid control, which are arranged in one or more fluid lines running between the first fluid reservoir and the conveying area.

It can be provided that the module comprises one or more valves for fluid control, which are arranged in one or more fluid lines running between the first and the second fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir and the product reservoir. It can be provided that at least one valve is arranged between the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, and the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that at least one valve is arranged between the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, and the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir.

It can be provided that a respective valve is designed as a shut-off valve and, for example, as a pinch valve.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that a respective valve is designed as a valve that can be clamped to a fluid line. This can be understood, in particular, as meaning that a respective valve can be opened to accommodate a section of a fluid line and closed to radially surround the accommodated section of the fluid line. In particular, the respective valve can act on the fluid line at said section to selectively close and/or open it for fluid control.

It can be provided that a respective valve can be coupled or is coupled to an actuator for actuating the same and/or can be operated manually.

For example, the actuator can be arranged outside the module and the module can in particular be coupled to the actuator for actuating a respective associated valve.

For example, the actuator can be designed as an electromagnet, as a linear drive and/or as a rotary drive and/or comprise at least one such component.

It can be provided that a respective valve that is or can be coupled to an actuator is in a locked state when the actuator is not coupled and/or not actuated. A respective valve that is or can be coupled to an actuator can be transferred from a locked state to an open state by actuating the actuator. For example, it can be provided that a valve, which can be coupled or is coupled in particular to an actuator, is arranged between the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, and the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided, for example, that a valve which can be coupled or is coupled to an actuator is arranged between the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, and the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided, for example, that a manual valve is arranged between the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, and the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, wherein preferably the valve is arranged in particular directly adjacent to the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir.

Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided, for example, that a manual valve is arranged between the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, and the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir, wherein preferably the valve is arranged in particular directly adjacent to the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir.

It can be provided that the base body comprises an outer wall which seals and/or thermally insulates an interior of the module from the outside, for example by means of a sealing device and/or insulation device.

The module can be sterilizable and preferably autoclavable. Additionally or alternatively, the module and, in particular, all of its components can be designed as single-use components. It is understood that a combination of a sterilizable and preferably autoclavable design and a single-use design is also conceivable.

It can be provided that an access device is arranged in the outer wall, which comprises at least one door element, via which access to the interior of the module, preferably at least to the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, and/or the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir.

It is understood that the door element also seals and/or thermally insulates the interior of the module from the outside, for example by means of a sealing device and/or insulation device.

The contents of the module can thus be kept in a sterile state, in particular by means of said wall and/or access device, so that, for example, pathogens can be retained in the closed module in the event of an accident.

It is understood that connections of all components of the module which can be connected and/or coupled to something outside the module, for example the sensor units which can be connected to a control unit, and/or for example compressed air connections for a or the pumping device and/or for example a coupling connection of a respective valve for a or the actuator, can each be designed to be sealing and/or can each be designed to be sterilizable and preferably autoclavable.

It can be provided that the base body is designed in the form of a cassette.

For example, the module can be designed as a cassette or a cassette, for example, a carrier cassette. For example, the module can be designed as a sterilizable and preferably autoclavable cassette, for example, a carrier cassette.

Furthermore, a system for conveying, in particular treating, preferably irradiating, a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, can be provided.

The system for conveying a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, may comprise: at least one module for conveying a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, wherein the at least one module is designed according to the above and/or following description; and a control unit by means of which a pumping device of the system or the module can be controlled to generate an air pressure difference with respect to the first fluid reservoir and the conveying area, which are atmospherically separated from one another by means of the base body.

All structural and functional features associated with the previously described module and/or embodiments thereof may also be included in the system either alone or in combination, and the associated properties, configurations, and advantages may also be included and achieved accordingly.

Furthermore, a system for treating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, may be provided.

The system for treating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, may comprise: at least one module for conveying a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, wherein the at least one module is designed according to the above and/or following description and has at least said treatment component; and a control unit, by means of which a pumping device of the system or the module can be controlled to generate an air pressure difference with respect to the first fluid reservoir and the conveying region, which are atmospherically separated from one another by means of the base body.

Furthermore, a system for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, may be provided.

The system for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, may comprise: at least one module for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, wherein the at least one module is designed according to the above and/or following description and at least said at least one irradiation component; and a control unit by means of which a pumping device of the system or the module can be controlled for generating an air pressure difference with respect to the reactant storage and product storage kept atmospherically separate from one another on the base body.

All structural and functional features associated with the previously described module and/or its embodiments may also be included in the respective systems according to the invention, either alone or in combination, and the associated properties, configurations and advantages may also be included and achieved accordingly.

For example, it can be provided that a module included in the system is designed in the form of a cassette or as a cassette, for example a carrier cassette, as has already been described in particular.

For example, it can be provided that a control unit included in the system is not part of the module or of the module designed as a cassette or cassette, for example a carrier cassette, as has already been described in particular.

It can be provided that the control unit is connectable or connected, in particular by signal technology, to the at least one sensor unit for detecting a volume flow of pumped fluid of the module and the control unit controls the pumping device on the basis of a detected volume flow value of the at least one sensor unit, in particular to enable a preferably constant fluid flow from the first fluid reservoir into the delivery area, in particular the second fluid reservoir.

It can be provided that the control unit is connectable or connected to the at least one sensor unit for detecting a volume flow of pumped fluid of the module, in particular in terms of signal technology, and the control unit controls the pumping device on the basis of a detected volume flow value of the at least one sensor unit, in particular to enable a preferably constant fluid flow from the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, through the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, and then into the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir. It can be provided that a prevailing air pressure value can be detected via the pumping device and that the pumping device can be controlled by means of the control unit on the basis of the volume flow value and the air pressure value.

It can be provided that a pressure regulator, e.g. the one already described, is provided, in particular a pressure regulator which can be controlled via the control unit, which can be connected or is connected to the control unit in terms of signal technology and can be connected or is connected to the pumping device in terms of fluid technology.

It can be provided that the pumping device can be controlled via the pressure regulator by means of the control unit. It is understood that the pressure regulator can additionally or alternatively be designed as a manually operable pressure regulator.

It can be provided that the prevailing air pressure value can be detected via the pump device by means of the pressure regulator.

It can be provided that the system comprises at least one actuator which can be coupled or is coupled to at least one valve of the module and which can be controlled by means of the control unit to actuate the coupleable or coupled valve.

It is also understood that, if the module does not comprise the pumping device, the pumping device may be comprised by said system and/or a higher-level system, for example the system described herein.

It is also understood that, if the module does not comprise the temperature control device(s), the temperature control device(s) may be comprised by the said system and/or a higher-level system, for example the system described herein.

Furthermore, a system for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, can be provided.

The system for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, may comprise: an irradiation chamber; a radiation source for emitting radiation, wherein the radiation source is arranged in the irradiation chamber; and at least one module for the irradiation of a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, wherein the at least one module is designed according to the above and/or following description, or a system for the irradiation of a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, wherein the system is designed according to the above and/or following description.

At least the module or the module of the system can be arranged or is arranged in the irradiation chamber and at least the irradiation region of the at least one irradiation component of the module can be positioned or is positioned with respect to the radiation source to receive emitted radiation.

All structural and functional features associated with the previously described module and/or the previously described system and/or their embodiments can also be included in the system according to the invention, either alone or in combination, and the associated properties, configurations and advantages can also be included and achieved accordingly.

It can be provided that the module can be arranged or is arranged, preferably positioned or positioned, in the irradiation chamber via a temperature control device of the system or the module which serves for temperature control, preferably cooling, of the module.

For example, the module can be positioned or arranged relative to the radiation source in this way, in particular along a height direction that can preferably coincide with the direction of gravity. For example, the module can be arranged or arranged, preferably positioned or arranged, below the radiation source.

It can be provided that one or more modules can be arranged or are arranged, preferably positioned or are positioned, in the irradiation chamber via the temperature control device.

For example, the tempering device can form and/or comprise a positioning mechanism.

Furthermore, a method for conveying a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, can be provided. The procedure may include:

Providing a fluid to be conveyed, in particular a biological fluid to be conveyed, which is stored in a first fluid reservoir of a module for conveying a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, wherein the module is preferably designed according to the above and/or following description and/or is provided in a system according to the above and/or following description and/or is provided in a plant according to the above and/or following description; and conveying the fluid to be conveyed from the first fluid reservoir into the conveying region, wherein the first fluid reservoir and the conveying region are atmospherically separated from one another and the conveying is caused by an air pressure difference.

Furthermore, a method for treating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, may be provided.

The procedure may include:

Providing a fluid to be treated, in particular a biological fluid to be treated, which is stored in a first fluid reservoir of a module for the treatment of a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, wherein the module is preferably designed according to the above and/or following description and/or is provided in a system according to the above and/or following description and/or is provided in a plant according to the above and/or following description; and conveying the fluid to be treated from the first fluid reservoir through the treatment component of the module, in which the fluid to be treated is treatable or is treated, and then into the conveying region, wherein the first fluid reservoir and the conveying region are atmospherically separated from one another and the conveying is caused by an air pressure difference.

Furthermore, a method for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, may be provided.

The procedure may include: Providing a fluid to be irradiated, in particular a biological fluid to be irradiated, which is stored in a reactant reservoir of a module for the irradiation of a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, wherein the module is preferably designed according to the above and/or following description and/or is provided in a system according to the above and/or following description and/or is provided in a plant according to the above and/or following description; and conveying the fluid to be irradiated from the reactant reservoir through at least one irradiation component of the module, in which the fluid to be irradiated is irradiatable or is irradiated, and then into a product reservoir of the module, wherein the reactant reservoir and the product reservoir are atmospherically separated from one another and the conveying is caused by an air pressure difference.

All structural and functional features associated with the previously described module and/or the previously described system and/or the previously described plant and/or their embodiments can also be included in the method according to the invention, either alone or in combination, and the associated properties, configurations and advantages can also be included and achieved accordingly.

In addition, the corresponding previously described module and/or the corresponding previously described system and/or the corresponding previously described plant may each be configured to carry out the corresponding method described herein, and the corresponding method described herein may be designed to be executable by means of the corresponding previously described module and/or the corresponding previously described system and/or the corresponding previously described plant.

It can be provided that the method comprises generating an air pressure difference with respect to the atmospherically separated first fluid storage and delivery area by means of a pumping device.

It can be provided that the method comprises generating an air pressure difference with respect to the atmospherically separated first and second fluid reservoirs, in particular reactant reservoirs and product reservoirs, by means of a pumping device. It can be provided that the pumping device for generating the air pressure difference is controllable or is controlled on the basis of a volume flow value detected by means of a sensor unit, preferably to enable a particularly constant fluid flow from the first fluid reservoir into the conveying region, in particular the second fluid reservoir.

It can be provided that the pumping device for generating the air pressure difference is controllable or controlled on the basis of a volume flow value detected by means of a sensor unit, preferably to enable a particularly constant fluid flow from the first fluid reservoir, in particular the reactant reservoir, through the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, and subsequently into the second fluid reservoir, in particular the product reservoir.

Further preferred features and/or advantages of the present invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

The drawings show:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a module for conveying a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a module for conveying a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a module for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of part of the module of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of part of the module of Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a system for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a system for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of part of the system of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of part of a system for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 10 is a graphical representation of exemplary sensor values from a method for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a module for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 12 is a further perspective view of the module of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a plan view of the module of Fig. 11;

Fig. 14 is a side view of a portion of the module of Fig. 11, with components of the module hidden for clarity;

Fig. 15 is a further side view of a part of the module of Fig. 11, in which components of the module are hidden for reasons of clarity; and

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the part of the module of Fig. 15. Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

Referring to Fig. 1, a module 100 is provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The module 100 is used to convey a fluid, for example in the pharmaceutical sector.

Advantageously, the fluid is a biological fluid, such as: a protein suspension, a virus suspension, a cell medium with and/or without cells, a cell suspension, a bacterial suspension, etc. It is understood that this list is exemplary and not exhaustive.

As can be seen in Fig. 1, the module 100 comprises a base body 102.

The base body 102 is cassette-shaped.

So to speak, the module 100 is designed as a cassette or as a cassette, for example a carrier cassette.

The base body 102 comprises an outer wall 104, which seals off an interior 106 of the module 100 from the outside and thermally insulates it, for example by means of a sealing device and/or insulation device not specifically shown in the figures.

In the outer wall 104, an access device, not specifically shown in Figures 1 to 10, is arranged, which comprises at least one door element, via which access to the interior 106 of the module 100 is possible (cf. Figures 11 to 16).

It is understood that the door element also seals the interior 106 of the module 100 from the outside and thermally insulates it, for example by means of a sealing device and/or insulation device.

The contents of the module 100 can thus be kept in a sterile state by means of the said wall 104 and access device, so that, for example, pathogens can be retained in the closed module 100 in the event of an accident. Furthermore, the module 100 is sterilizable and preferably autoclavable.

So to speak, the module 100 is designed as a sterilizable and preferably autoclavable cassette, for example a carrier cassette.

The module 100 comprises a first fluid reservoir 110 and may optionally have a treatment component 108.

The module 100 is also fluidically connected to a conveying area 112 to which a fluid can be conveyed.

The treatment component 108 can be arranged on the base body 102 and serves to treat the fluid. For this purpose, the treatment component 108 can have a treatment area 114.

The first fluid reservoir 110 is held on and in the base body 102 and is advantageously held replaceably.

The first fluid reservoir 110 is designed as a bag-like and/or container-like element, e.g., as a fluid bag.

A fluid or the fluid to be pumped can be stored in the first fluid reservoir 110.

The first fluid reservoir 110 can be fluidically connected to the treatment component 108 on the inlet side and, in this case, fluidically connected. The treatment component 108 can be fluidically connected to the delivery region 112 on the outlet side and, in this case, fluidically connected.

The conveying area 112 is fluidically connectable to the module 100 and is presently connected.

In the conveying area 112, a fluid or the conveyed fluid can be absorbed and/or stored.

Here, the first fluid reservoir 110 and the delivery area 112 are connected by means of the

Base body 102 atmospherically separated from each other to the air pressure difference-induced Conveying the fluid to be conveyed from the first fluid reservoir 110, optionally through the treatment component 108, and into the conveying area 112.

The said conveying is advantageously a continuous and/or quasi-continuous conveying or can be arranged to be so.

The first fluid reservoir 110 is held in a region of the base body 102 which is designed as an atmospherically closed or closable chamber 132.

An air pressure can be generated in the chamber 132 which is different from the air pressure in the conveying area 112.

Advantageously, an overpressure relative to the conveying area 112 can be generated in the chamber 132.

This makes it possible to achieve the said air pressure difference for the air pressure difference-induced conveying of fluid between the first fluid reservoir 110 and the conveying area 112.

The said air pressure difference can be generated by means of a pumping device 134.

The pumping device 134 thus serves to generate an air pressure difference with respect to the atmospherically separated first fluid reservoir 110 and delivery area 112.

The pumping device 134 is designed as an overpressure pumping device and/or comprises such.

The module 100 is connectable to such a pumping device 134, in this case, for providing the said air pressure difference.

For this purpose, the module 100 comprises a pump connection 136 for connecting and/or coupling the pump device 134 to the module 100. For example, the pump connection 136 can be designed as a compressed air connection.

It is also understood that the pump connection 136 is designed to be sterilizable and preferably autoclavable. The said pumping device 134 is controllable to generate the said air pressure difference on the basis of a detected volume flow value of a sensor unit 140.

This sensor unit 140 is provided in the module 100.

So to speak, the module 100 comprises a sensor unit 140 for detecting a volume flow of pumped fluid.

The sensor unit 140 is arranged between the first fluid reservoir 110, optionally the treatment component 108, and the conveying area 112.

The sensor unit 140 is non-fluid-contacting and is designed as a clamp-on sensor.

The sensor unit 140 can be connected to a control unit 142 for signaling purposes.

For this purpose, the module 100 comprises a data interface not shown in the figure, which can be wireless and/or wired.

As can also be seen in Fig. 1, the module 100 comprises a plurality of valves 162, 166 for fluid control.

The valves 162, 166 are arranged in the fluid lines running between the first fluid reservoir 110 and the delivery area 112.

A first valve 162 is arranged between the first fluid reservoir 110 and the sensor unit 140.

A second valve 166 is arranged between the sensor unit 140 and the conveying area 112.

A respective valve 162, 166 is designed as a shut-off valve and, for example, as a pinch valve.

A respective valve 162, 166 is further configured as a valve that can be clamped to a fluid line. This can be understood, in particular, to mean that no fluid contact occurs through a respective valve 162, 166. The valves 162, 166 are each designed as a manual valve or as a manually operated valve.

The valves 162, 166 are accessible for actuation, for example, via the access device of the module 100.

Preferably, one valve 162 is arranged directly adjacent to the first fluid reservoir 110, and the other valve 166 is arranged directly adjacent to the delivery region 112. This may enable improved interchangeability of the first fluid reservoir 110 and/or the delivery region 112 and/or reduce any fluid loss during said exchange.

It is understood that replacement may also be possible via the access device of the module 100.

The following is a brief and summary description of the functionality of module 100:

A fluid to be pumped is stored in the first fluid reservoir 110 of the module 100.

Preferably, the conveying region 112 is fluidically connected to the module 100 in order to receive and/or store conveyed fluid.

Valves 162, 166 are closed.

The module 100 is connected to the control unit 142 and to the pumping device 134. The sensor unit 140 of the module 100 is connected accordingly.

For fluid delivery, the valves 162 166 are opened and the pumping device 134 generates an overpressure in the chamber 132 to generate the air pressure difference with respect to the first fluid reservoir 110 and delivery area 112, which are atmospherically separated from one another by the base body 102. The sensor unit 140 for detecting a volume flow detects the fluid being pumped in the corresponding fluid line, and the control unit 142 controls the pumping device 134 based on this detected value. According to the control by the control unit 142, the pumping device 134 generates the overpressure in the chamber 132.

In other words, the control unit 142 controls a desired air pressure value in the chamber 132 by means of an actual volume flow value in the corresponding fluid line for a constant fluid flow, so that the delivery can take place under controlled conditions.

The fluid to be conveyed is thus conveyed and, for example, pressed by means of the overpressure from the first fluid reservoir 110, optionally through the treatment component 108, and into the conveying area 112.

This results in the air pressure difference-induced conveyance of fluid between the first fluid reservoir 110 and the conveying area 112.

Optionally, the fluid can be treated in the treatment component 108 during this time.

After completion of the pumping process or when, for example, the fluid to be pumped has preferably been completely pumped, the pumping is stopped and all valves 162, 166 are closed.

Now the delivery area 112 can be separated from the module 100 and/or the first fluid reservoir 110 can be filled with new fluid and/or replaced.

Referring to Fig. 2, a module 100 is provided according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The embodiment of the module 100 shown in Fig. 2 is substantially configured and/or designed like the embodiment of the module 100 shown in Fig. 1, so that only the differences are described below.

As can be seen in Fig. 2, the module 100 comprises a second fluid reservoir 112 which is exchangeably held on the base body 192 and which defines the conveying area 112 and in which a pumped fluid can be stored and which is fluidically connectable and presently connected to the first fluid reservoir 110.

Furthermore, the module 100 comprises the treatment component 108 already described.

The treatment component 108 is designed here as a sensor unit which serves to analyze process parameters of the fluid.

This sensor unit can, for example, be configured to capture, detect and/or determine at least one of the following: at least one temperature, at least one particle, for example at least one particle concentration, at least one vibration, at least one acceleration, at least one cell number, at least one cell density, at least one turbidity, for example at least one light absorption due to liquid turbidity, at least one gas composition, at least one gas, for example CO2, and/or at least one chemical substance, in particular at least one biochemical substance, for example at least one metabolite.

The first fluid reservoir 110 is held in a first region 128 of the base body 102.

The second fluid reservoir 112 is held in a second region 130 of the base body 102.

The second region 130 of the base body 102 is designed as the atmospherically closed or closable chamber 132, in which an air pressure can be generated which is different from the air pressure in the other region 128.

In the present case, a negative pressure can be generated in the chamber 132 by means of the pumping device 134 with respect to the first region 128.

The fluid to be conveyed is thus conveyed and, for example, sucked from the first fluid reservoir 110 through the treatment component 108 and into the second fluid reservoir 112 by means of the negative pressure.

In the treatment component 108, the pumped fluid can be analyzed. The remaining operation and/or functioning of the module 100 of Fig. 2 is analogous to the module of Fig. 1.

Referring to Figs. 3 to 5, a module 100 is provided according to an exemplary further embodiment of the present invention.

The embodiment of the module 100 shown in Fig. 3 to 5 is essentially configured and/or designed like the embodiment of the module 100 shown in Fig. 1 or 2, so that in particular the differences and/or exemplary application-specific details are described below.

Module 100 is used for irradiating a fluid, for example, in the pharmaceutical field. For example, a treatment in this case is irradiation.

Advantageously, the fluid is a biological fluid, such as: a protein suspension, a virus suspension, a cell medium with and/or without cells, a cell suspension, a bacterial suspension, etc. It is understood that this list is exemplary and not exhaustive.

In this case, electron radiation is intended for the said irradiation.

As can be seen in Fig. 3, the module 100 comprises a base body 102.

The base body 102 is cassette-shaped.

So to speak, the module 100 is designed as a cassette or as a cassette, for example a carrier cassette.

The base body 102 comprises an outer wall 104, which seals off an interior 106 of the module 100 from the outside and thermally insulates it, for example by means of a sealing device and/or insulation device not specifically shown in the figures.

In the outer wall 104, an access device, not specifically shown in Figures 1 to 10, is arranged, which comprises at least one door element, via which access to the interior 106 of the module 100 is possible (cf. Figures 11 to 16). It is understood that the door element also seals the interior 106 of the module 100 from the outside and thermally insulates it, for example by means of a sealing device and/or insulation device.

The contents of the module 100 can thus be kept in a sterile state by means of the said wall 104 and access device, so that, for example, pathogens can be retained in the closed module 100 in the event of an accident.

Furthermore, the module 100 is sterilizable and preferably autoclavable.

So to speak, the module 100 is designed as a sterilizable and preferably autoclavable cassette, for example a carrier cassette.

The module 100 further comprises an irradiation component 108, a reactant storage 110 and a product storage 112.

The irradiation component 108 is arranged on the base body 102.

In particular, the irradiation component 108 is arranged on the base body 102 in an outwardly oriented manner.

For example, the irradiation component 108 is at least partially exposed to the outside with respect to the base body 102.

The irradiation component 108 has an irradiation region 114 through which fluid to be irradiated can be conducted.

The irradiation component 108 comprises a fluid inlet 116 for supplying fluid into the irradiation component 108 and in particular into the irradiation region 114 (see left arrow in Fig. 4) and a fluid outlet 118 for discharging fluid from the irradiation component 108 and in particular from the irradiation region 114 (see right arrow in Fig. 4).

The irradiation region 114 of the irradiation component 108 is fluidically arranged between the fluid inlet 116 and the fluid outlet 118, as can be seen in particular in Fig. 5. The fluid to be irradiated, when it is passed through the irradiation region 114 of the irradiation component 108 (cf. arrow in Fig. 4) and is irradiated in the process (cf. vertical arrows in Fig. 4), for example by means of a radiation source 120, can become an irradiated fluid or can be the irradiated fluid upon exiting the irradiation region 114.

For example, an irradiated fluid can be obtained and/or achieved by irradiating a fluid to be irradiated.

The reactant reservoir 110 is held on and in the base body 102 and is advantageously held replaceably.

It is understood that the reactant reservoir 110 may alternatively be held non-replaceably on the base body 102 or may be formed integrally with the base body 102.

The reactant reservoir 110 is designed as a bag-like and/or container-like element, e.g. as a fluid bag.

A fluid or the fluid to be irradiated can be stored in the reactant storage 110.

The reactant reservoir 110 is fluidically connectable to the irradiation component 108 on the input side and is fluidically connected in this case by means of a first fluid line 122.

So to speak, the fluid inlet 116 of the irradiation component 108 is directly or indirectly fluidically connectable or connected to the reactant reservoir 110 by means of the first fluid line 122.

The product storage 112 is held on and in the base body 102 and is advantageously held interchangeably.

It is understood that the product storage 112 may alternatively be held non-replaceably on the base body 102 or may be formed integrally with the base body 102. The product storage 112 is designed as a bag-like and/or container-like element, e.g. as a fluid bag.

A fluid or the irradiated fluid can be stored in the product storage 112.

The product reservoir 112 is fluidically connectable to the irradiation component 108 on the output side and is fluidically connected in this case by means of a second fluid line 124.

So to speak, the fluid outlet 118 of the irradiation component 108 can be or is connected to the product reservoir 112 directly or indirectly by means of the second fluid line 124.

Here, the reactant reservoir 110 and the product reservoir 112 are kept atmospherically separated from one another on the base body 102 for the air pressure difference-induced conveyance of the fluid to be irradiated from the reactant reservoir 110 through the irradiation component 108 and then into the product reservoir 112.

This can be understood in particular to mean that fluid to be irradiated can be conveyed from the reactant reservoir 110 via the first fluid line 122 to the irradiation component 108.

The fluid to be irradiated can then be conveyed through the irradiation component 108 and becomes the irradiated fluid during irradiation operation.

The irradiated fluid can then be conveyed from the irradiation component 108 via the second fluid line 124 to the product reservoir 112.

The said conveying is advantageously a continuous and/or quasi-continuous conveying or can be arranged to be so.

The irradiation area 114 can be covered or covered by means of a cover element not specifically shown in the figures, which can be transparent, semi-transparent or opaque, in order to seal the irradiation area 114 from the outside.

The cover element can be designed as a film-like element and/or comprise such a element. As can be seen in Figs. 3 to 5, the irradiation region 114 is exposed outwards with respect to the base body 102 in order to be preferably directly positionable with respect to a radiation source 120 (cf. Fig. 4).

The irradiation region 114 is formed by and/or comprises a plurality of fluid channels 126.

This can be understood in particular to mean that the irradiation component 108 is designed as a fluid chip, in particular as a microfluidic chip, and/or comprises such a chip.

Fluid to be irradiated can be passed through the fluid channels 126.

For example, fluid to be irradiated in the fluid channels 126 can be exposed to radiation (cf. arrows emanating from radiation source 120 in Fig. 4).

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, a fluid channel 126 extending from the fluid inlet 116 initially branches into two fluid channels 126, which then in turn branch into two further fluid channels 126.

The resulting four fluid channels 126 then run essentially parallel to one another and preferably linearly next to one another, coming from the fluid inlet 116, in the direction of the fluid outlet 118.

The said four fluid channels 126 are then first merged in pairs into a respective fluid channel 126, wherein the two merged fluid channels 126 are again merged into a fluid channel 126 which opens into the fluid outlet 118.

It is understood that the previously described configuration of the fluid channels 126 is purely exemplary and a variety of configuration options for one or more fluid channels 126 may be conceivable.

It is also conceivable that the irradiation component 108, in particular with one or more fluid channels 126, has a predefined and/or predeterminable fluid target throughput and/or a predefined and/or predeterminable process medium.

For example, depending on the application, one or more irradiation components 108 may be provided, which may be adapted with regard to a fluid target throughput and/or a process medium.

It should be understood that the configuration of the fluid channels 126 is exemplary.

For example, it can also be provided that several fluid channels branch off from a fluid channel or from a distribution channel and/or distribution reservoir, in particular on the inlet side relative to the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, which then run essentially parallel to one another and preferably linearly next to one another and are then brought together again, in particular on the outlet side relative to the treatment component, in particular the at least one irradiation component, in a further fluid channel or a merging channel and/or merging reservoir.

For example, it may also be provided that a fluid channel is designed without branches and, in particular, without divisions. This can preferably be the case if exactly one fluid channel is provided relative to the treatment area.

This can be understood in particular to mean that, for example, instead of the fluid distribution by means of bifurcation, which can be seen in Fig. 5, other fluid distributions are also conceivable and/or fluid splitting can be omitted. It is also conceivable, for example, to use an inlet-side reservoir from which a plurality of channels branch off and rejoin at the outlet.

Referring to Fig. 3, the reactant reservoir 110 is held in a first region 128 of the base body 102 and the product reservoir 112 is held in a second region 130 of the base body 102.

The second region 130 of the base body 102 is designed as an atmospherically closed or closable chamber 132. An air pressure can be generated in the chamber 132 which is different from the air pressure in the first region 128 of the base body 102.

Advantageously, in the present case, a negative pressure can be generated in the chamber 132 with respect to the first region 128.

This makes it possible to achieve the said air pressure difference for the air pressure difference-induced conveying of fluid between the reactant reservoir 110 and the product reservoir 112.

The said air pressure difference can be generated by means of a pumping device 134.

The pumping device 134 thus serves to generate an air pressure difference with respect to the reactant reservoirs 110 and product reservoirs 112, which are kept atmospherically separated from one another on the base body 102.

The pumping device 134 is in the present case designed as a vacuum pumping device and/or comprises such a device.

The module 100 is connectable to such a pumping device 134, in this case, for providing the said air pressure difference.

For this purpose, the module 100 comprises a pump connection 136 for connecting and/or coupling the pump device 134 to the module 100. For example, the pump connection 136 can be designed as a compressed air connection.

It is also understood that the pump connection 136 is designed to be sterilizable and preferably autoclavable.

The pump connection 136 is connected to the chamber 132 via a corresponding pump line 138.

So to speak, the pumping device 134 is connectable or connected to the chamber 132 via the pump connection 136 and the pump line 138. The chamber 132 can thus be subjected to a negative or positive pressure by means of the pumping device 134 with respect to the first region 128 of the base body 102 in which the reactant reservoir 110 is held.

In this case, a negative pressure can be applied. The negative pressure allows fluid to be conveyed from the reactant reservoir 110 to the product reservoir 112.

The first region 128 of the base body 102, in which the reactant reservoir 110 is held, is provided with a pressure compensation device 150.

By means of the pressure compensation device 150, an air pressure in this area 128 of the base body 102 can be adapted to an ambient air pressure of the module 100.

Advantageously, the pressure compensation device 150 can compensate for a volume which can correspond to the fluid conveyed from the reactant reservoir 110.

In the present case, the pressure equalization device 150 comprises a filter element, preferably a sterile filter element. For example, ambient air can flow into the first region 128 via the pressure equalization device 150.

The said pumping device 134 is controllable to generate the said air pressure difference on the basis of a detected volume flow value of a sensor unit 140.

This sensor unit 140 is provided in the module 100.

So to speak, the module 100 comprises a sensor unit 140 for detecting a volume flow of pumped fluid.

The sensor unit 140 is arranged between the irradiation component 108 and the product storage 112.

The sensor unit 140 is non-fluid-contacting and is designed as a clamp-on sensor.

In the present case, the sensor unit 140 is provided on the second fluid line 124, in which a volume flow of pumped fluid can be detected. The sensor unit 140 can be connected to a control unit 142 for signaling purposes.

For this purpose, the module 100 comprises a data interface 144, which can be wireless and/or wired.

In the present case, the data interface 144 is, for example, wired and is formed by a signal line 146 and a signal connection 148.

For example, the module 100 further comprises a corresponding signal connection 148 for directly or indirectly connecting the control unit 142 to the module 100 and a signal line 146 for transmitting the recorded volume flow values.

The signal connection 148 is designed to be sterilizable and preferably autoclavable.

As can be seen in Fig. 3, the module 100 comprises a radiation absorber element 152 for intercepting radiation and/or converting radiation into heat and/or bremsstrahlung.

This can be understood in particular to mean that, in the case of irradiation, the radiation absorber element 152 intercepts the incoming radiation and converts it into heat and/or bremsstrahlung, e.g. X-rays.

The radiation absorber element 152 is held on the base body 102 and is exposed to the outside with respect to the base body 102.

The radiation absorber element 152 at least partially surrounds the irradiation component 108.

The irradiation component 108 is embedded in the radiation absorber element 152.

The radiation absorber element 152 and the irradiation component 108 are designed as a pre-assembled or pre-assembled assembly. Referring to Fig. 3, the module 100 has a sensor unit 156 for detecting a temperature in the module 100.

The sensor unit 156 for detecting a temperature in the module 100 is designed, for example, as a PT100 temperature sensor and/or comprises such a sensor.

By means of this sensor unit 156, a temperature of the radiation absorber element 152 of the module 100 can preferably be detected.

For this purpose, the sensor unit 156 is arranged and preferably fixed in the radiation absorber element 152.

By means of the sensor unit 156, a particularly targeted control of a temperature control, preferably cooling, of the module 100 and preferably of the radiation absorber element 152 by a temperature control device 158 for temperature control, preferably cooling, of the module 100 is possible.

For this purpose, the base body 102 comprises a receiving area 160 for a temperature control device 158.

In the receiving area 160, a or the temperature control device 158 for temperature control, preferably cooling, of the module 100 can be received and accommodated.

The temperature control device 158 can be arranged adjacent to or directly adjacent to the radiation absorber element 152 of the module 100 and the irradiation component 108 or is arranged during operation, preferably for cooling the same.

For example, contact cooling between the temperature control device 158 and the radiation absorber element 152 and the irradiation component 108 may be possible.

The temperature control device 158 is controllable on the basis of a detected temperature value of the sensor unit 156 for detecting the temperature relative to the radiation absorber element 152.

For this purpose, the module 100 and in particular the sensor unit 156 for detecting the

Temperature with the temperature control device 158 directly or indirectly, for example via a the control device associated with the tempering device 158, e.g. the control unit 142.

The temperature control device 158 can advantageously enable a constant or almost constant temperature in the radiation absorber element 152 and in particular the irradiation component 108, for example during an irradiation operation.

As can also be seen in Fig. 3, the module 100 comprises several, here three, valves 162, 164, 166 for fluid control.

The valves 162, 164, 166 are arranged in the fluid lines 122, 124 running between the reactant reservoir 110 and the product reservoir 122.

A first valve 162 is arranged between the reactant reservoir 110 and the irradiation component 108.

For example, the first valve 162 is arranged in or on the first fluid line 122.

A second valve 164 is arranged between the irradiation component 108 and the product reservoir 112 and in particular between the irradiation component 108 and the sensor unit 140 for detecting a volume flow.

For example, the second valve 164 is arranged in or on the second fluid line 124.

A third valve 166 is arranged between the irradiation component 108 and the product reservoir 112 and in particular between the sensor unit 140 for detecting a volume flow and the product reservoir 112.

For example, the third valve 166 is arranged in or on the second fluid line 124.

A respective valve 162, 164, 166 is designed as a shut-off valve and, for example, as a pinch valve. A respective valve 162, 164, 166 is further configured as a valve that can be clamped to a fluid line 122, 124. This can be understood, in particular, to mean that there is no fluid contact through a respective valve 162, 164, 166.

The first and third valves 162, 166 are each designed as a manual valve and as a manually operable valve.

The first and third valves 162, 166 are accessible for actuation, for example, via the access device of the module 100.

Preferably, the first valve 162 is arranged directly adjacent to the reactant reservoir 110, and the third valve 166 is arranged directly adjacent to the product reservoir 112. This may enable improved interchangeability of the respective reservoirs 110, 112 and/or reduce any fluid loss from the fluid lines 122, 124 during said exchange of the respective reservoirs 110, 112.

It is understood that an exchange of the respective memories 110, 112 may also be possible via the access device of the module 100.

The second valve 164 is coupled or can be coupled to an actuator 168 for actuation thereof.

The actuator 168 can be arranged outside the module 100 or arranged during operation and the module 100 can be coupled to the actuator 168 for actuating the second valve 164.

For example, the second valve 164 can be coupled to the actuator 168 via a coupling device 170 and can be actuated by the actuator 168 via the coupling device 170.

The coupling device 170 can, for example, magnetically connect the second valve 164 and the actuator 168 to one another.

It is also conceivable that the actuator 168 can be designed as an electromagnet, a linear drive, and/or a rotary drive, and/or can include at least one such component. The coupling device 170 can be designed correspondingly. The actuator 168 and thus the second valve 164 can be controlled by means of a control unit 142.

The second valve 164 is in a locked state when the actuator 168 is not coupled and/or not actuated. By actuating the actuator 168, the second valve 164 can be transferred from the locked state to an open state.

The following is a brief and summary description of the functionality of module 100:

A fluid to be irradiated is stored in the reactant reservoir 110 of the module 100.

Preferably, the product reservoir 112 of the module 100 is provided to receive and store irradiated fluid.

The first, second and third valves 162, 164, 166 are closed.

The module 100 is connected to the control unit 142 and to the pumping device 134. Furthermore, the temperature control device 158 is arranged in the receiving area 160 of the module 100. The respective sensor units 140, 156 of the module 100 are connected via signal lines. Furthermore, the second valve 164 is coupled to the actuator 168.

For fluid delivery, the valves 162, 164, 166 are opened and the pumping device 134 generates a negative pressure in the chamber 132 to generate the air pressure difference with respect to the reactant reservoirs 110 and product reservoirs 112, which are kept atmospherically separated from one another on the base body 102.

Preferably, the irradiation component 108 is irradiated by the radiation source 120. The heat that may be generated thereby is dissipated from the module 100 via the temperature control device 158. In particular, the temperature control device 158 is controlled based on the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor unit 156, e.g., a coolant flow.

The sensor unit 140 for detecting a volume flow detects pumped fluid in the second fluid line 124 and the control unit 142 controls the pumping device 134 to Based on this detected value. Under the control of the control unit 142, the pumping device 134 generates the negative pressure in the chamber 132.

For example, the control unit 142 controls a desired air pressure value in the chamber 132 by means of an actual volume flow value in the second fluid line 124 for a constant fluid flow, so that the irradiation can take place under controlled conditions.

The fluid to be irradiated is thus sucked by means of the negative pressure from the reactant reservoir 110 through the irradiation component 108 and then into the product reservoir 112.

This results in the air pressure difference-induced conveyance of fluid between the reactant reservoir 110 and the product reservoir 112.

The fluid to be irradiated, when it is passed through the irradiation region 114 of the irradiation component 108 and is irradiated by means of the radiation source 120, thus becomes a fluid or the irradiated fluid.

After completion of the irradiation process or when, for example, the fluid to be irradiated has preferably completely become irradiated fluid, the conveying is stopped and all valves 162, 164, 166 are closed.

Now, the product storage 112 can be removed, for example, from the module 100 for further use, preferably via the said access device.

In Fig. 6, a system 172 for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, is shown by way of example and schematically.

The system 172 comprises at least one module 100 for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid.

The module 100 is in the present case the module 100 described in connection with Figs. 3 to 5, wherein only the position of the sensor unit 140 for detecting the volume flow between the reactant reservoir 110 and the irradiation component 108 is provided or arranged. The system 172 comprises a control unit 142 and a pumping device 134 for generating an air pressure difference with respect to the reactant storage 110 and product storage 112 of the module 100, which are kept atmospherically separated from one another on the base body 102 of the module 100.

The control unit 142 is in this case the control unit 142 which has already been described in connection with Figs. 3 to 5.

The pumping device 134 is in this case the pumping device 134 which has already been described in connection with Figs. 3 to 5.

By means of the control unit 142 of the system 172, the pumping device 134 of the system 172 can be controlled to generate the said air pressure difference with respect to the reactant storage 110 and product storage 112 held atmospherically separate from one another on the base body 102.

The control unit 142 is connected to the sensor unit 140 for detecting the volume flow of pumped fluid of the module 100 via a first signaling connection 174.

Furthermore, the control unit 142 is connected to a pressure regulator 176 of the system 172 via a second signaling connection 178 and the pressure regulator 176 can be controlled by means of the control unit 142.

The pressure regulator 176 is also arranged between the chamber 132 and the pumping device 134 and/or connected in a pumping connection 180 between the chamber 132 and the pumping device 134. The pumping connection 180 here refers to a fluidic connection related to the generation of positive and/or negative pressure in the chamber 132.

The control unit 142 controls the pumping device 134 via the pressure regulator 176 based on the detected volume flow value of the sensor unit 140 to enable a preferably constant fluid flow, preferably in the direction of the product reservoir 112. For example, in operation, the pressure regulator 176 adjusts the pressure in the chamber 132 depending on a desired flow direction of fluid and a desired volume flow of fluid.

Furthermore, since, for example, a state of the system 172 is time-varying, in particular due to the change in the filling levels of the reactant reservoir 110 and the product reservoir 112 and/or the changing air pressure-based forces, e.g., suction force, the target pressure in the chamber 132 is adjusted by the control unit 142, in particular continuously or quasi-continuously, in order to preferably keep the volume flow of fluid constant.

Optionally, a prevailing air pressure value can be detected via the pumping device 134 by means of a corresponding pumping element 182 designed as a pressure sensor, and the pumping device 134 can be controlled based on the volume flow value and the air pressure value by means of the control unit 142. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the prevailing air pressure value can be detected via the pumping device 134 by means of the pressure regulator 176.

Optionally, a pumping element 182 designed as a manually operable pressure regulator can be provided in the pumping connection 180, in particular additionally or alternatively.

The system 172 further includes the actuator 168, which can be coupled or is presently coupled to the second valve 164 of the module 100 (not shown in this figure) and which can be controlled by the control unit 142 to actuate the second valve 164.

Via the pumping device 134, air can be sucked in from an indirect environment of the module 100 and/or the system 172, for example an environment of a direct environment of the module 100, for example an environment of an irradiation chamber 184, and/or expelled thereto in order to generate the said air pressure difference for the air pressure difference-induced conveying of fluid.

Preferably, the pumping device 134 comprises a filter device 186, for example an activated carbon filter, in order to keep the interior 106 of the module 100 germ-free or almost germ-free, During operation, the pumping device 134 can suck in and/or expel air via the filter device 186 in relation to its surroundings, for example the surroundings of the irradiation chamber 184.

It is further understood that the system 172 is power-supplyable and is or can be connected to a power source via a corresponding power connection 186.

It is further understood that all structural and functional features connectable or associated with the module 100 of Figs. 3 to 5 may also be included in the system of Fig. 6, either alone or in combination, and the associated properties, configurations, and advantages may also be included and achieved accordingly.

Fig. 7 shows an exemplary and schematic illustration of a system 188 for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid. For descriptive purposes, a portion of this system 188 is shown schematically and exemplary in Fig. 8.

The system 188 comprises an irradiation chamber 184 for carrying out irradiation operations and/or irradiation processes.

The irradiation chamber 184 is in the present case the irradiation chamber 184 which has already been described in connection with Figs. 3 to 6.

The system 188 comprises a radiation source 120 for emitting radiation.

The radiation source 120 is in this case the radiation source 120 which has already been described in connection with Figs. 3 to 6.

The radiation source 120 is arranged in the irradiation chamber 184.

The system 188 comprises at least one module 100 for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, and a system 172 for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid. The module 100 is in the present case the module 100 described in connection with Figs. 3 to 6, wherein only the position of the sensor unit 140 for detecting the volume flow is provided or arranged between the irradiation component 108 and the second valve 164.

The system 172 is the system 172 described in connection with Fig. 6.

At least the module 100 of the system 172 can be arranged in the irradiation chamber 184 and is arranged here.

The remaining components of the system 172 can be arranged in and/or outside the irradiation chamber 184 and are arranged here.

The irradiation region 114 of the irradiation component 108 of the module 100 is positionable or positioned to receive emitted radiation with respect to the radiation source 120.

As already described, electron radiation is intended for the said irradiation.

It may additionally or alternatively be provided that the radiation is radiation in the energy range from 80 keV to 300 keV, in particular from 150 keV to 300 keV, advantageously from 200 keV to 300 keV.

The system 188 comprises a temperature control device 158 for temperature control, preferably cooling, of the module 100.

The tempering device 158 is in this case the tempering device 158 which has already been described in connection with Figs. 3 to 6.

As can be seen in Figs. 7 and 8, the tempering device 158 is arranged in the receiving area 160 of the module 100.

The module 100 can be arranged and arranged in the irradiation chamber 184, in particular via the temperature control device 158, and is preferably positionable and positioned in the irradiation chamber. Advantageously, the module 100 can be positioned and is positioned in this way with respect to the radiation source 120.

This positioning can be carried out in particular along a height direction, which can preferably coincide with the direction of gravity.

Preferably, the irradiation region 114 of the module 100 is positionable and presently positioned by positioning it with respect to a radiation path or radiation region 192, which can be defined by the emitted radiation of the radiation source 120.

As can be seen in Figs. 7 and 8, the module 100 can be arranged or arranged and preferably positioned or positioned under the radiation source 120.

For example, the tempering device 158 can form a positioning mechanism.

Via the filter device 186, the pump device 134 can in the present case suck in and/or expel air during operation relative to the environment of the module 100, here the irradiation chamber 184.

Furthermore, the pressure regulator 176 is connectable to an environment of the irradiation chamber 184 for air pressure adjustment and is connected in this case so that a connection to a positive air pressure, for example, the atmospheric pressure 190, is present. For example, this air pressure can be the same air pressure that prevails in the first region 128 and/or can be maintained via the pressure equalization device 150.

It is further understood that all structural and functional features connectable or associated with the module 100 of Figs. 3 to 5 and/or with the system of Fig. 6 may also be included in the system of Figs. 7 and 8, either alone or in combination, and the associated properties, configurations, and advantages may also be included and achieved accordingly.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a part of a system 188 for the irradiation of a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system 188 of Fig. 9 is essentially designed in the same way as the system 188 of Figs. 7 and 8, so that only the differences are described below.

The system 188 has several, here four, modules 100, which can be part of a single system 172 or can each be part of a respective system 172.

In the present case, all modules 100 can be arranged or arranged and preferably positioned or positioned in the irradiation chamber via the temperature control device 158 of the system 188.

For example, the temperature control device 158 is arranged in the respective receiving areas 160 of all modules 100.

This may, for example, enable a scalable structure of system 188.

It is understood that the radiation path or radiation area 192, which can be defined by the emitted radiation of the radiation source 120, is correspondingly larger than that shown in Fig. 8 in order to be able to cover the plurality of modules 100 and in particular their irradiation areas 114.

Referring to Fig. 10, the present invention relates to a method for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid.

Fig. 10 shows a graphical representation of exemplary sensor values from the process.

The method comprises providing a fluid to be irradiated, in particular a biological fluid to be irradiated, which is stored in a reactant reservoir 110 of a module 100 for the irradiation of a fluid, in particular a biological fluid.

The module 100 is in the present case one of the modules 100 described in connection with Figs. 3 to 9.

It is understood that system 172 and/or system 188 may also be present. Furthermore, the method comprises conveying the fluid to be irradiated from the reactant reservoir 110 through the irradiation component 108 of the module 110, in which the fluid to be irradiated is irradiable or is irradiated, and then into a or the product reservoir 112 of the module 100, wherein the reactant reservoir 110 and the product reservoir 112 are atmospherically separated from one another and the conveying is caused by an air pressure difference.

The method further comprises generating one or the said air pressure difference with respect to the atmospherically separated reactant storage 110 and product storage 112 by means of a pumping device 134.

The pumping device 134 is controlled to generate the air pressure difference on the basis of a volume flow value detected by a sensor unit 140.

This preferably serves to enable a particularly constant fluid flow from the reactant reservoir 110 through the irradiation component 108 and subsequently into the product reservoir 112.

The course of the recorded volume flow values is shown in Fig. 10 and marked with the reference numeral 194.

The course of the pressure generated by the pumping device 134 is shown in Fig. 10 and is identified by the reference numeral 196.

Both curves 194, 196 are compared in Fig. 10.

As can be seen in Fig. 10, the aforementioned control of the pumping device 134 based on the recorded volume flow values enabled a constant fluid flow. This can be seen, for example, in the data point range between 5000 and 140000.

Furthermore, it can be seen from Fig. 10 that at the start of fluid delivery, a pressure of approximately -80 mbar was initially provided and the fluid flow increased sharply and amounted to approximately 65 ml per min. Subsequently, the pressure was reduced by the control unit 142 to approximately -20 mbar, preceded by a transient pressure phase.

This made it possible to set a fluid flow of approximately 7 ml per min.

The control unit 142 then controlled the pumping device 134 so that the approximately 7 ml per minute was kept substantially constant.

Here, since, for example, the state in the module 100 is time-varying, in particular due to the change in the filling levels of the reactant reservoir 110 and product reservoir 112 and/or the changing air pressure-based forces, e.g. suction force, the target pressure in the chamber 132 is adjusted by the control unit 142, in particular continuously or quasi-continuously, in order to keep the fluid flow constant.

For this purpose, the pressure was continuously increased by the control unit 142 up to approximately -40 mbar.

Furthermore, it can be seen from Fig. 10 that at the end of a fluid conveyance, the fluid flow initially drops to 0 ml per min, since the fluid has been completely conveyed from the reactant reservoir 110 to the product reservoir 112.

For a short time, there is a strong increase in pressure (here to approximately -170 mbar), whereby the control unit 142 can recognize or recognizes that the fluid has now been completely pumped and then reduces the pressure to 0 mbar or controls or switches off the pump device 134 accordingly.

It is understood that all structural and functional features associated with the module 100 of Figs. 3 to 5 and/or Figs. 11 to 16 and/or the system 172 of Fig. 6 and/or the plant 188 of Figs. 7 to 9 may also be included in the method, either alone or in combination, and the associated properties, configurations, and advantages may also be included and achieved accordingly.

In addition, it should be understood that the module 100 of Figs. 3 to 5 and/or Figs. 11 to 16 and/or the system 172 of Fig. 6 and/or the plant 188 of Figs. 7 to 9 may each be configured to carry out the method described herein, and the method described herein The method described may be configured to be executable by means of said module 100 and/or said system 172 and/or said installation 188.

Referring to Figs. 11 to 16, a module 100 is provided according to an exemplary further embodiment of the present invention.

The embodiment of the module 100 shown in Figs. 11 to 16 is substantially configured and/or designed like the embodiment of the module 100 shown in Figs. 3 to 5, so that the differences are described in particular below.

Module 100 in Figs. 11 to 16 also serves for irradiating a fluid, for example, in the pharmaceutical field. In this case, the treatment is preferably irradiation. Electron beams are provided for said irradiation.

As can be seen in Figs. 11 to 16, the module 100 comprises a cassette-like base body 102.

Overall, the module 100 is thus designed in the form of a cassette or as a cassette, for example a carrier cassette.

An access device 198 is formed in the outer wall 104 of the base body 102. This access device is formed from optionally removable, for example, unscrewable, cover elements 200, via which access to the interior 106 of the module 100 is possible. Additionally or alternatively, the access device can also have one or more door elements and/or be formed from such.

It is understood that the cover elements 200 also seal and thermally insulate the interior 106 of the module 100 from the outside, for example by means of a sealing device and/or insulation device.

The contents of the module 100 can thus be kept in a sterile state by means of the said wall 104 and access device 198, so that, for example, pathogens can be retained in the closed module 100 in the event of an accident. The access device 198 in the present case has three cover elements 200, wherein one cover element 200 is arranged corresponding to the reactant reservoir 110 and/or first region 128, one cover element 200 is arranged corresponding to the product reservoir 112 and/or second region 130 and one cover element 200 is arranged corresponding to technical components provided in the interior 106 of the module 100.

Here, the cover elements 200, which are arranged corresponding to the reactant reservoir 110 or first region 128 and to the product reservoir 112 or second region 130, are provided on one side of a longitudinal center plane of the module 100 and the remaining cover element 200 is provided on a side opposite thereto.

Overall, the module 100 is sterilizable and preferably autoclavable.

Thus, the module 100 is designed, for example, as a sterilizable and preferably autoclavable cassette, for example a carrier cassette.

The irradiation component 108 or the fluid chip and in particular the irradiation region 114 of the irradiation component 108 or fluid chip, through whose fluid channels 126 fluid to be irradiated can be conducted, is provided on the base body 102 between the cover elements 200, which are arranged corresponding to the reactant reservoir 110 and the product reservoir 112, and is at least partially exposed to the outside with respect to the base body 102.

At least in the exposed region, the fluid channels 126 extend substantially parallel to one another and preferably linearly adjacent to one another, coming from the fluid inlet 116 toward the fluid outlet 118 (see Figs. 13 and 16). In the present embodiment, the fluid channels 126 extend transversely and preferably perpendicularly to the longitudinal center plane of the module 100.

A portion of the radiation absorber element 152 for intercepting radiation and/or converting radiation into heat and/or bremsstrahlung is pivotally mounted on the base body 102 and covers the irradiation component 108 at least in part. Another portion of the radiation absorber element 152 is arranged opposite the irradiation component 108, preferably on the other side of the irradiation component 108 and in the interior 106 of the module 100, and is arranged corresponding to the irradiation region 114. Preferably, said pivotable portion of the radiation absorber element 152 can be pivoted into an open position, so that, for example, the irradiation component 108 can and/or could be replaced with another, for example differently configured, irradiation component 108, preferably depending on the application. It may be conceivable, for example, that this additional irradiation component 108 has a differently configured irradiation region 114. After such an exchange, the portion of the radiation absorber element 152 can be pivoted back into a closed position.

As can be seen in Figs. 15 and 16, the fluid inlet 116 of the irradiation component 108 for supplying fluid into the irradiation component 108 and in particular into the irradiation region 114 and the fluid outlet 118 of the irradiation component 108 for discharging fluid from the irradiation component 108 and in particular from the irradiation region 114 are arranged within the base body 102 and in the interior 106, respectively.

As already described, the fluid to be irradiated can become an irradiated fluid when it is passed through the irradiation region 114 of the irradiation component 108 and is irradiated in the process, for example by means of a radiation source 120, or can be the irradiated fluid when it exits the irradiation region 114.

The reactant reservoir 110, in which a fluid to be irradiated can be stored, is held replaceably in the base body 102 and is designed in the present case as a bag-like element, preferably a fluid bag.

The reactant reservoir 110 is fluidically connectable to the irradiation component 108 on the input side and is fluidically connected in this case by means of the first fluid line 122.

Here, the fluid inlet 116 of the irradiation component 108 is fluidically connectable or connected to the reactant reservoir 110 by means of the first fluid line 122, wherein in Figs. 15 and 16, for reasons of clarity, a section of the first fluid line 122 in front of the fluid inlet 116 is hidden.

The product reservoir 112, in which a or the irradiated fluid can be stored, is held replaceably in the base body 102 and is designed in the present case as a bag-like element, preferably a fluid bag. The product reservoir 112 is fluidically connectable to the irradiation component 108 on the output side and is fluidically connected in this case by means of the second fluid line 124.

Here, the fluid outlet 118 of the irradiation component 108 is connectable or connected to the product reservoir 112 by means of the second fluid line 124, wherein in Figs. 15 and 16, for reasons of clarity, a section of the second fluid line 124 after the fluid outlet 118 is hidden.

As already described, the reactant reservoir 110 and the product reservoir 112 are kept atmospherically separated from each other in the base body 102 for the air pressure difference-induced conveyance of the fluid to be irradiated.

In particular, the reactant reservoir 110 and the product reservoir 112 are kept atmospherically separated from one another in the base body 102 for the air pressure difference-induced conveyance of the fluid to be irradiated from the reactant reservoir 110, via the first fluid line 122, through the irradiation component 108, then via the second fluid line 124, and subsequently into the product reservoir 112.

The said conveying is advantageously a continuous and/or quasi-continuous conveying or can be arranged to be so.

As in the embodiment of Figs. 3 to 5, the irradiation area 114 in Figs. 11 to 16 can also be covered or covered by means of a cover element not specifically shown in the figures, which can be transparent, semi-transparent or opaque, in order to seal the irradiation area 114 to the outside, wherein the cover element can be designed as a film-like element and/or can comprise such a film.

As can be seen from Figs. 13 to 16, the module 100 further comprises a connection device 202 for connecting at least the pump device 134, a temperature control system for operating the temperature control device 158 and the control unit 142. Preferably, the module 100 can be supplied with power via said connection device 202. The connection device 202 has the pump connection 136, via which the pump device 134 can be connected and/or coupled to the module 100 to provide the said air pressure difference.

The pumping device 134 is in the present case designed as a vacuum pumping device and/or comprises such a device.

In the interior 106 of the module 100, the pump connection 136 is connected via the pump line 138 to the second region 130 and in particular to the atmospherically closed or closable chamber 132.

As a result, an air pressure can be generated in the chamber 132 by means of the pump device 134 which can be connected or is connected to the connection device 202 and in particular to the pump connection 136, which air pressure is different from the air pressure in the first region 128 of the base body 102 and is preferably a negative pressure with respect to the first region 128.

Furthermore, this makes it possible to achieve the said air pressure difference for the air pressure difference-induced conveying of fluid between the reactant reservoir 110 and the product reservoir 112.

As previously described, in the present case a vacuum can be applied through which fluid can be conveyed from the reactant reservoir 110 to the product reservoir 112.

The first region 128 of the base body 102, in which the reactant reservoir 110 is held, is provided with a pressure compensation device 150.

By means of the pressure compensation device 150, an air pressure in this area 128 of the base body 102 can be adapted to an ambient air pressure of the module 100.

Advantageously, the pressure compensation device 150 can compensate for a volume which can correspond to the fluid conveyed from the reactant reservoir 110.

In the present embodiment, the pressure equalization device 150 has a pressure equalization line 204 which fluidically connects the first region 128 with the environment of the module 100 (see Fig. 14). In particular, the pressure equalization line 204 extends from the first region 128 into the cover element 200, which is arranged opposite the cover elements 200 assigned to the reactant reservoir 110 and the product reservoir 112.

In particular, the pressure equalization line 204 opens into a through hole 206 formed in the said cover element 200 (see Fig. 12).

In this way, ambient air can flow into the first area 128 via the pressure equalization line 204.

Preferably, both the pump line 138 and the pressure equalization line 204 are provided with filter elements and preferably sterile filter elements 208 (see Fig. 14), whereby the operational reliability of the module 100 can be further improved and/or sterile conditions can be maintained in the interior 106 of the module 100.

For example, in the event of an accident, the escape of pathogens via the pump line 138 and/or the pressure equalization line 204 can be prevented by means of the sterile filter elements 208.

Furthermore, the connection device 202 has the signal connection 148, via which the module 100 can be connected to the control unit 142 for signaling purposes and/or can be supplied with power.

As can be seen in Figs. 15 and 16, the module 100 in this case has the previously described sensor unit 140 for detecting a volume flow of conveyed fluid, which is arranged between the irradiation component 108 and the product reservoir 112 and is provided as a non-fluid-contacting clamp-on sensor on the second fluid line 124 in order to be able to detect a volume flow of conveyed fluid downstream of the irradiation component 108. The section of the second fluid line 124 between the sensor unit 140 and the fluid outlet 118 is not shown in the figures for reasons of clarity.

Furthermore, the module 100 has a further sensor unit 210 for detecting a

Volume flow of pumped fluid, which is located between the irradiation component 108 and the reactant reservoir 110 and is provided as a non-fluid-contacting clamp-on sensor on the first fluid line 122 in order to be able to detect a volume flow of conveyed fluid upstream of the irradiation component 108. The section of the first fluid line 122 between the further sensor unit 210 and the fluid inlet 116 is not shown in the figures for reasons of clarity.

The said pumping device 134 is controllable to generate the said air pressure difference on the basis of at least one of the detected volume flow values of the sensor units 140, 210.

The sensor units 140, 210 can be connected to the control unit 142 via the signal connection 148 of the connection device 202, so that the recorded volume flow values can be transmitted to the control unit 142 in this way.

Furthermore, the sensor unit 156 for detecting a temperature in the module 100 can be connected to the control unit 142 via the signal connection 148 of the connection device 202.

By means of this sensor unit 156, a temperature of the radiation absorber element 152 and/or the irradiation component 108 can preferably be detected, which temperature can be transmitted to the control unit 142 via the signal connection 148.

The signal lines and/or power cables and/or control lines, e.g. valve control lines, provided in the interior 106 have been omitted from the figures for reasons of clarity.

The sensor unit 156 is arranged and preferably fastened in the radiation absorber element 152 and/or on the irradiation component 108.

By means of the sensor unit 156, a particularly targeted control of a temperature control, preferably cooling, of the module 100 and preferably of the radiation absorber element 152 or of the irradiation component 108 by the temperature control device 158 for temperature control, preferably cooling, of the module 100 is possible.

The temperature control device 158 is adjacent to or immediately adjacent to the radiation absorber element 152 of the module 100 and the irradiation component 108 arranged and is presently integrated in the radiation absorber element 152 and/or in the irradiation component 108 as a cooling circuit.

For example, one or more cooling channels for passing a coolant may be integrated in the radiation absorber element 152 and/or in the irradiation component 108.

For this purpose, a coolant inlet 212 and a coolant outlet 214 are provided on the

Radiation absorber element 152 and/or on the irradiation component 108, which are connected to one another via a cooling region not shown in the figures, e.g. the said cooling channels, in the element or component.

A coolant inlet connection 216 of the connection device 202 is fluidically connected to the coolant inlet 212 via a coolant supply line 218 and a coolant outlet connection 220 of the connection device 202 is fluidically connected to the coolant outlet 212 via a coolant discharge line 222.

A temperature control system (not shown in the figures) for operating the temperature control device 158 and in particular for providing a coolant is connectable, and in particular fluidically connectable, to the module 100 and in particular to the temperature control device 158 via the coolant inlet connection 216 and the coolant outlet connection 220. It is understood that the temperature control system, in particular for providing a coolant, can be comprised by the temperature control device 158 and/or the module 100 and/or the system 172 described herein and/or the system 188 described herein.

The temperature control device 158 can be controlled on the basis of a detected temperature value of the sensor unit 156 for detecting the temperature by means of the control unit 142 connected via the connection device 202.

For example, it may further be provided that the module 100 may have one or more additional temperature control devices for controlling the temperature of the reactant reservoir 110 and/or the product reservoir 112. It is understood that such temperature control devices may also optionally be provided in the exemplary embodiments of Figs. 1 to 10. As can also be seen in Fig. 15 and 16, the module 100 comprises several, here four, valves 162, 164, 166, 224 for fluid control.

The valves 162, 164, 166, 224 are arranged in and/or on the fluid lines 122, 124 running between the reactant reservoir 110 and the product reservoir 122.

The first valve 162 and a fourth valve 224 are arranged between the reactant reservoir 110 and the irradiation component 108 and in particular between the reactant reservoir 110 and the further sensor unit 210 for detecting a volume flow, wherein the first valve 162 is arranged between the reactant reservoir 110 and the fourth valve 224.

For example, the first valve 162 is arranged on or in the first fluid line 122 and the fourth valve 224 is arranged on the first fluid line 122.

The second valve 164 is arranged between the irradiation component 108 and the product reservoir 112 and in particular between the irradiation component 108 and the sensor unit 140 for detecting a volume flow.

For example, the second valve 164 is arranged on the second fluid line 124.

The third valve 166 is arranged between the irradiation component 108 and the product storage 112 and in particular between the sensor unit 140 for detecting a volume flow and the product storage 112.

For example, the third valve 166 is arranged on or in the second fluid line 124.

A respective valve 162, 164, 166, 224 is designed as a shut-off valve and, for example, as a pinch valve.

A respective valve 162, 164, 166, 224 is further configured as a valve that can be clamped to a fluid line 122, 124. Preferably, this prevents fluid contact through a respective valve 162, 164, 166, 224.

The first and third valves 162, 166 are each designed as a manual valve and as a manually operable valve. The first and third valves 162, 166 are accessible for actuation, for example, via the access device 198 or its respective cover elements 200.

In the present case, the first valve 162 is arranged directly adjacent to the reactant reservoir 110 and the third valve 166 is arranged directly adjacent to the product reservoir 112.

This may enable improved interchangeability of the respective accumulators 110, 112 and/or reduce any fluid loss from the fluid lines 122, 124 during said exchange of the respective accumulators 110, 112.

The second valve 164 is coupled to an actuator 168 for actuating the same, and the fourth valve 224 is coupled to a further actuator 226 for actuating the same.

The actuator 168 and the further actuator 226 are designed as electromagnets.

Overall, the second valve 164 and the actuator 168 form a magnetically actuated pinch valve and the fourth valve 224 and the further actuator 226 also form another magnetically actuated pinch valve.

The actuators 168, 226 and thus the second and fourth valves 164, 224 are controllable by means of the control unit 142. This control is also carried out, as already described, via the signal connection 148 of the connection device 202.

The following is a brief and summary description of the functionality of module 100:

A fluid to be irradiated is stored in the reactant reservoir 110 of the module 100.

Preferably, the product reservoir 112 of the module 100 is provided to receive and store irradiated fluid.

The first, second, third and fourth valves 162, 164, 166, 224 are closed. The module 100 is connected to the control unit 142, to the pumping device 134 and to the temperature control system for providing the coolant for the temperature control device 158 via the connection device 202.

The respective sensor units 140, 156, 210 of the module 100 are correspondingly connected via the connection device 202.

For fluid delivery, the valves 162, 164, 166, 224 are opened and the pumping device 134 generates a negative pressure in the chamber 132 to generate the air pressure difference with respect to the reactant reservoirs 110 and product reservoirs 112, which are kept atmospherically separated from one another on the base body 102.

Preferably, the irradiation component 108 is irradiated by means of the radiation source 120.

The heat that may arise as a result is dissipated from the module 100 via the temperature control device 158 or the associated cooling circuit via the coolant outlet 214 and ultimately the coolant outlet connection 220.

In particular, the temperature control device 158 or the temperature control system is controlled on the basis of the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor unit 156, preferably the coolant flow.

The sensor units 140, 210 for detecting the volume flows before and after the irradiation component 108 detect pumped fluid in the first and second fluid lines 122, 124 and the control unit 142 controls the pumping device 134 on the basis of these detected values.

Under the control of the control unit 142, the pumping device 134 generates the negative pressure in the chamber 132.

For example, the control unit 142 controls a desired air pressure value in the chamber 132 by means of an actual volume flow value in the first and/or second fluid line 122, 124 for a constant fluid flow, so that the irradiation can take place under controlled conditions. The fluid to be irradiated is thus sucked by means of the negative pressure from the reactant reservoir 110 through the irradiation component 108 and then into the product reservoir 112.

This results in the air pressure difference-induced conveyance of fluid between the reactant reservoir 110 and the product reservoir 112.

The fluid to be irradiated, when it is passed through the irradiation region 114 of the irradiation component 108 and is irradiated by means of the radiation source 120, thus becomes a fluid or the irradiated fluid.

After completion of the irradiation process or when, for example, the fluid to be irradiated has preferably completely become irradiated fluid, the conveying is stopped and all valves 162, 164, 166, 224 are closed.

Now, the product storage 112 can be removed, for example, from the module 100 for further use, preferably via the said access device 198.

It is understood that one or more modules 100 configured as described in connection with Figs. 11 to 16 may be provided in a system 172 described herein, such as Fig. 6, and/or a plant 188 described herein, such as Figs. 7 to 9.

List of reference symbols

Module

Basic body

wall

Interior of module

Treatment component; irradiation component; first fluid storage; reactant storage

Conveying area; second fluid reservoir; product reservoir

Irradiation area

Fluid inlet

Fluid outlet

Radiation source first fluid line second fluid line

Fluid channel first area second area

Chamber

Pumping device

Pump connection

Pump line

Sensor unit

Control unit

Data interface

Signal line

Signal connection

Pressure equalization device

Radiation absorber element

assembly

Sensor unit

T emperator

Mounting area first valve second valve third valve - 7Q -

Actuator

coupling device

System first signaling connection pressure regulator second signaling connection pumping connection pumping element irradiation chamber supply connection system

Atmospheric pressure Radiation range Flow rate values Pressure curve

Access facility

Cover element of access device connection device pressure equalization line through hole

Sterile filter element additional sensor unit

Coolant inlet

Coolant outlet

Coolant inlet connection Coolant supply line Coolant outlet connection Coolant discharge line Fourth valve Additional actuator

Claims

Patent claims 1. A module (100) for conveying a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, comprising: a base body (102); and a first fluid reservoir (110), which is held on the base body (102), in particular in an exchangeable manner, in which a fluid to be conveyed and/or a conveyed fluid, in particular a biological fluid to be conveyed and/or a conveyed fluid, can be stored, which fluid can be conveyed to and/or from a conveying region (112), wherein the first fluid reservoir (110) and the conveying region (112) are atmospherically separated from one another by means of the base body (102) for the air pressure difference-induced conveyance of the fluid to be conveyed from the first fluid reservoir (110) into the conveying region (112) and/or from the conveying region (112) into the first fluid reservoir (110). 2. Module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the module (100) comprises a second fluid reservoir (112) which is held on the base body (102), in particular in an exchangeable manner, which second fluid reservoir forms the conveying region (112) and in which a conveyed fluid, in particular a conveyed biological fluid, can be stored and which is fluidically connectable or connected to the first fluid reservoir (110), wherein preferably the first fluid reservoir (110) is a reactant reservoir (110) and the second fluid reservoir (112) is a product reservoir (112). 3. Module (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first fluid reservoir (110), in particular reactant reservoir (110), is held in a first region (128) of the base body (102) and the second fluid reservoir (112), in particular product reservoir (112), is held in a second region (130) of the base body (102), wherein at least one of the two regions (128; 130) of the base body (102) is designed as an atmospherically closed or closable chamber (132) in which an air pressure can be generated which is different from the air pressure in the other region (130, 128), wherein in particular the second region (130) is designed as said chamber (132), and/or wherein preferably a negative pressure can be generated in the chamber (132) with respect to the other region (128, 130). 4. Module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module (100) serves to treat a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, and comprises a treatment component (108) which is arranged on the base body (102) and which has a treatment region (114) through which fluid to be treated can be conducted, wherein the treatment component (108) is arranged downstream of the first fluid reservoir (110), in particular reactant reservoir (110), and is or can be fluidically connected to the first fluid reservoir (110), in particular reactant reservoir (110), on the inlet side. 5. Module (100) according to claim 4 in conjunction with claim 2, characterized in that the treatment is irradiation and the module (100) serves for the irradiation of a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, wherein: the treatment component (108) is at least one irradiation component (108) which is arranged on the base body (102) and which has an irradiation region (114) through which fluid to be irradiated can be conducted; the first fluid reservoir (110) is an educt reservoir (110) which is held on the base body (102), in particular in an exchangeable manner, in which a fluid to be irradiated, in particular a biological fluid to be irradiated, can be stored and which is or can be fluidically connected to the at least one irradiation component (108) on the inlet side; the second fluid reservoir (112) is a product reservoir (112) which is held on the base body (102), in particular in an exchangeable manner, in which an irradiated fluid, in particular an irradiated biological fluid, can be stored and which is or can be fluidically connected to the at least one irradiation component (108) on the output side; and the reactant reservoir (110) and the product reservoir (112) are held on the base body (102) atmospherically separated from one another for the air pressure difference-induced conveyance of the fluid to be irradiated from the reactant reservoir (110) through the at least one irradiation component (108) and subsequently into the product reservoir (112). 6. Module (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the module (100) comprises at least one sensor unit (140, 210) for detecting a volume flow of conveyed fluid, which is arranged between the reactant reservoir (110) and the at least one irradiation component (108) and/or between the at least one irradiation component (108) and the product reservoir (112) and/or is integrated in the at least one irradiation component (108) and in particular in the irradiation region (114) of the at least one irradiation component (108). 7. Module (100) according to one of the preceding claims in conjunction with claim 2, characterized in that the module (100) comprises a pumping device (134), in particular a vacuum pumping device and/or an overpressure pumping device, for generating an air pressure difference with respect to the fluid reservoirs (110, 112), preferably reactant reservoirs (110) and product reservoirs (112), which are held atmospherically separate from one another on the base body (102), and/or such a pumping device (134) for providing the said air pressure difference is connectable and/or assignable to the module (100), wherein in particular the pumping device (134) for generating the air pressure difference is controllable on the basis of a detected volume flow value of a sensor unit (140, 210). 8. Module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a region (128) of the base body (102), in which the first fluid reservoir (110), preferably reactant reservoir (110), is held, is provided with a pressure equalization device (150), by means of which an air pressure in this region (128) of the base body (102) can be adapted to an ambient air pressure of the module (100), wherein in particular the pressure equalization device (150) comprises a filter element (208) and/or an expandable receiving element, preferably an expandable bag element. 9. Module (100) according to one of the preceding claims in conjunction with claim 5, characterized in that the module (100) comprises a radiation absorber element (152) for intercepting radiation and/or converting radiation into heat and/or bremsstrahlung, which is held on the base body (102) and is exposed to the outside with respect to the base body (102) and surrounds the at least one irradiation component (108) at least partially, in particular in one plane, wherein in particular the radiation absorber element (152) and the at least one irradiation component (108) are designed as an integrated component or are designed as a pre-assembled or pre-assembled assembly (154). 10. Module (100) according to one of the preceding claims in conjunction with claim 5, characterized in that the module (100) comprises at least one sensor unit (156) for detecting a temperature in the module (100), by means of which a temperature of a radiation absorber element (152) of the module (100) and/or of the at least one irradiation component (108) can be detected, wherein in particular a first sensor unit (156) is arranged in and/or on the radiation absorber element (152) and/or a second sensor unit is arranged on the at least one irradiation component (108) and in particular on the irradiation region (114) of the at least one irradiation component (108). 11. Module (100) according to one of the preceding claims in conjunction with claim 5, characterized in that the module (100) comprises a temperature control device (158) for temperature control, preferably cooling, of the module (100) and/or the base body (102) comprises a receiving area (160) in which a temperature control device (158) for temperature control, preferably cooling, of the module (100) can be received and accommodated, wherein in particular the temperature control device (158) can be arranged or is arranged adjacent to or directly adjacent to a radiation absorber element (152) of the module (100) and/or the at least one irradiation component (108), in particular for temperature control, preferably cooling, thereof, or the temperature control device (158) in a radiation absorber element (152) of the module (100) and/or in the at least one irradiation component (108), in particular for tempering, preferably cooling, the same, and/or wherein in particular the module (100) comprises at least one further temperature control device for temperature control, preferably cooling, of the reactant storage (110) and/or the product storage (112). 12. Module (100) according to one of the preceding claims in conjunction with claim 5, characterized in that the module (100) comprises one or more valves (162, 164, 166, 224) for fluid control, which are arranged in one or more fluid lines (122, 124) running between the reactant reservoir (110) and the product reservoir (112), wherein in particular at least one valve (162, 164, 166, 224) is arranged between the reactant reservoir (110) and the at least one irradiation component (108) and/or between the at least one irradiation component (108) and the product reservoir (112), and/or wherein in particular a respective valve (162, 164, 166, 224) is designed as a shut-off valve, and/or wherein in particular a respective valve (162, 164, 166, 224) for actuating the same with an actuator (168, 226) or is coupled and/or manually actuated. 13. Module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base body (102) comprises an outer wall (104) which seals off and/or thermally insulates an interior (106) of the module (100) from the outside, wherein in particular the module (100) is sterilizable and preferably autoclavable. 14. A system (172) for the irradiation of a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, comprising: at least one module (100) for the irradiation of a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, according to one of the preceding claims in conjunction with claim 5; and a control unit (142) by means of which a pumping device (134) of the system (172) or of the module (100) for generating an air pressure difference with respect to the reactant storage (110) and product storage (112) held atmospherically separate from one another on the base body (102) can be controlled. 15. System (172) according to claim 14, characterized in that the control unit (142) is or can be connected, in particular by signaling, to the at least one sensor unit (140, 210) for detecting a volume flow of pumped fluid of the module (100), and the control unit (140) controls the pumping device (134) on the basis of a detected volume flow value of the at least one sensor unit (140, 210), in particular to enable a preferably constant fluid flow from the reactant reservoir (110) through the at least one irradiation component (108) and subsequently into the product reservoir (112), wherein in particular a prevailing air pressure value can be detected via the pumping device (134) and the pumping device (134) can be controlled on the basis of the volume flow value and the air pressure value by means of the control unit (142). 16. System according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the system (172) comprises at least one actuator (168, 226) which can be coupled or is coupled to at least one valve (164, 224) of the module (100) and which can be controlled by means of the control unit (142) to actuate the coupleable or coupled valve (164, 224). 17. A system (188) for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, comprising: an irradiation chamber (184); a radiation source (120) for emitting radiation, wherein the radiation source (120) is arranged in the irradiation chamber (184); and at least one module (100) for the irradiation of a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, according to one of claims 1 to 13 in conjunction with claim 5, or a system (172) for the irradiation of a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein at least the module (100) or the module (100) of the system (172) can be arranged or is arranged in the irradiation chamber (184) and at least the irradiation region (114) of the at least one irradiation component (108) of the module (100) can be positioned or is positioned with respect to the radiation source (120) for receiving emitted radiation. 18. System (188) according to claim 17, characterized in that the module (100) can be arranged or arranged, preferably positioned or positioned, in the irradiation chamber (184) via a temperature control device (158) of the system (188) or of the system (172) or of the module (100) serving for temperature control, preferably cooling, of the module (100), wherein in particular one or more modules (100) can be arranged or arranged, preferably positioned or positioned, in the irradiation chamber (184) via the temperature control device (158). 19. A method for irradiating a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, comprising: Providing a fluid to be irradiated, in particular a biological fluid to be irradiated, which is stored in a reactant reservoir (110) of a module (100) for the irradiation of a fluid, in particular a biological fluid, wherein preferably the module (100) is configured according to one of claims 1 to 13 in conjunction with claim 5 and/or is provided in a system (172) according to one of claims 14 to 16 and/or is provided in a plant (188) according to claim 17 or 18; and Conveying the fluid to be irradiated from the reactant reservoir (110) through at least one irradiation component (108) of the module (100), in which the fluid to be irradiated is irradiable or is irradiated, and then into a product reservoir (112) of the module (100), wherein the reactant reservoir (110) and the product reservoir (112) are atmospherically separated from one another and the conveying is caused by an air pressure difference. 20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the method comprises: Generating an air pressure difference relative to the atmospherically separated reactant reservoirs (110) and product reservoirs (112) by means of a pumping device (134), wherein in particular the pumping device (134) for generating the air pressure difference is controllable or controlled on the basis of a volume flow value detected by a sensor unit (140), preferably to enable a particularly constant fluid flow from the reactant reservoir (110) through the at least one irradiation component (108) and subsequently into the product reservoir (112).