Disposable pumping apparatus based on flexible vessels in pressurized containers

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for intended use in pumping a fluid under sterile conditions. In one embodiment, a first rigid container is internally pressurized to pump fluid through a first flexible vessel within the rigid container. In another embodiment, first and second containers are provided, each for receiving flexible vessels that create independent pumping chambers upon the selective or periodic internal pressurization of the containers. Related aspects and methods are also provided.

1 . An apparatus for intended use in pumping a fluid under sterile conditions, comprising: 
 a first rigid container having an interior capable of being pressurized;    a first flexible vessel positioned at least partially within the interior of the first rigid container and for receiving and holding the fluid, said first flexible vessel having an outlet; and    at least one pressure source for pressurizing the interior of the rigid container to cause the fluid to move through the outlet of the first flexible vessel.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further including a feed vessel connected to an inlet of the first flexible vessel.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further including a pump for delivering the fluid from the feed vessel to an inlet of the first flexible vessel.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further including a filter for receiving fluid from the outlet of the first flexible vessel, and a return line for delivering fluid from the filter to the feed vessel.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure created in the interior of the first rigid container comprises hydrostatic pressure.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a second container having an interior capable of being pressurized by the pressure source and a second flexible vessel for positioning at least partially within the second container, said second flexible vessel having an outlet for discharging the fluid to a line in common with the outlet of the first flexible vessel.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the pressure source alternately pressurizes the first and second containers.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one pressure source comprises a vacuum pump.  
     
     
         9 . An apparatus for intended use in pumping a fluid under sterile conditions, comprising: 
 at least two containers, each having an interior capable being pressurized;    a flexible vessel positioned at least partially within the interior of each container and for receiving and holding the fluid, each said flexible vessel having an outlet; and    at least one pressure source for selectively pressurizing the interiors of the containers to cause the fluid to move through the outlets of the corresponding flexible vessels.    
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the pressure source alternatively pressurizes the containers.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further including a common line connected to the outlets of the flexible vessels.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further including a feed vessel for feeding fluid to the inlets of the flexible vessels.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , further including a filter for receiving fluid from the outlet of one or both of the flexible vessels, and a return line for returning fluid from the filter to the feed vessel.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further including a chromatography column for receiving fluid from the outlets of the flexible vessels.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one pressure source comprises a vacuum pump.  
     
     
         16 . A method of pumping a fluid, comprising: 
 providing the fluid in a first flexible vessel positioned at least partially within a first rigid container; and    pressurizing an interior of the first rigid container to pump the fluid from the first flexible vessel.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further including the steps of at least partially relieving the pressure in the first rigid container, allowing fluid to enter the first flexible vessel through an inlet, and then pressurizing the interior of the first rigid container.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further including the steps of delivering the fluid to a second flexible vessel positioned at least partially within a second rigid container, and pressurizing an interior of the second rigid container to pump the fluid from the second flexible vessel.  
     
     
         19 . A method of pumping a fluid, comprising: 
 delivering the fluid to a first flexible vessel positioned at least partially within an interior of a first rigid container;    pressurizing the interior of the first rigid container to move fluid through an outlet of the first flexible vessel;    delivering the fluid to a second flexible vessel positioned at least partially within an interior of a second rigid container; and    pressurizing the interior of the second rigid container to move fluid through an outlet of the second flexible vessel.    
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the step of delivering the fluid to the second flexible vessel occurs concurrently with the step of pressurizing the first rigid container.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the delivering step comprises delivering fluid from a common feed vessel.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 19 , further including the step of delivering the fluid from the outlet of the first or second flexible vessel to a filter, and then delivering the fluid to a vessel for feeding either the first or second flexible vessel.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the pressurizing steps are performed to create a substantially constant flow of fluid along a common line associated with the outlets of the flexible vessels.