Single use heat exchanger

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device incorporating a single use heat exchanger that is sterilized prior to use in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology or related industries and is used for the heat transfer between one, two or more fluids and is connected to an application, container or process by way of tubing, connectors and/or various fluid flow components.

1 . A device comprising a single use heat exchanger;
 wherein said device is attached to a process or container by way of tubing, flow components and/or connectors and;   wherein the device is sterilized prior to use by irradiation, exposure to ethylene oxide or autoclaving and;   wherein the device is used for heat transfer between one, two or more fluids in the biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical or related industries.   
     
     
         2 . When the device of  claim 1  is connected to a container, fermenter, bioreactor or process by a sterile (aseptic) connector. 
     
     
         3 . When the device of  claim 1  is connected to a container, fermenter, bioreactor or process prior to sterilization of the device whether said connection is made by a sterile connector or not. 
     
     
         4 . When the heat exchanger of  claim 1  incorporates one or more fluid inlets and/or outlets that are or function as a sterile (aseptic) connector. 
     
     
         5 . When the device of  claim 1  is constructed of or incorporates components constructed of any polymeric or plastic material whether flexible or rigid. 
     
     
         6 . When the heat exchanger of  claim 1  is of any type used in the biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical or related industries. 
     
     
         7 . When the heat exchanger of  claim 1  has an outer shell constructed of a flexible polymeric film as often used within the biopharmaceutical, biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries. 
     
     
         8 . When the heat exchanger of  claim 1  has an inner flow channel or channels (tubes) constructed of flexible polymeric tubing. 
     
     
         9 . When the device of  claim 1  incorporates a method of cutting, crimping or other detachment of tubing such that the device may be removed from the container or process to which it is connected. 
     
     
         10 . When the device of  claim 1  is wirelessly enabled.