DESCRIPTION
ANALYTICAL DEVICE WITH COMMON PORT FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an analytical device (e.g. a dissolution test device) with a common port, the latter combining therein an inlet port and an outlet port, wherein the analytical device further comprises a temperature bath coupled to said common port. The present disclosure further relates to a method of analyzing a sample and a specific use of a common port to temper a fluid in the temperature bath.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Analytical devices are provided for analysing a sample, such as for analysing a dissolution behaviour of said sample. It may be required in some analyses that the sample is kept at a specific temperature during the measurement; in other words requires a temperature control/regulation.
[0003] For example, dissolution test devices require the ability to keep sample vessels (and their media/sample) at a constant set temperature. This is conventionally achieved by a water bath method, or a bath-less direct heating method. Water bath instruments are the most common due to their temperature stability. Water bath methods typically are "flow through" designs, where the water is heated externally by a heater circulator and is pumped from one side of the bath to the other.
[0004] An alternate solution is the use of an immersion heater in the bath.
Disadvantages of immersion heater designs typically include higher temperature variations across the bath due to no-flow being imparted. This issue may be solved by adding an agitation device, but this adds to cost. Further, immersion heaters in the bath take up valued bath space, increasing water mass, heat up time and energy cost. The immersion heater may create visibility issues by obstructing views. Finally, the immersion heater must be fully submerged typically to operate safely, adding to time to start up.
[0005] Flow-through baths, instead, typically have an inflow port where hot water -1 -enters the bath from the heater, and an outflow return port. Each of these ports is conventionally implemented by a separate hole in the bath container. However, existing designs can suffer from drawbacks such a high risk of leaks: each port requires a hole in the bath container to be sealed, and each seal has further a risk of leakage due to assembly error/damage.
[0006] A further conventional design has a third port at the lowest point of the bath container, which is typically used for drainage and is located at the front. The aim of this is to create an easily accessed drain for the user at the front of the instrument. Yet, this design can even add another drawback: there is an additional hole in the bath container filled by a port, which can be another point of failure/leakage.
[0007] US 7,658,198 B2 describes a washing system for dissolution vessels. A vessel washer comprises a nozzle having formed therein a rinse passageway and a waste passageway. Nevertheless, this document is focused on cleaning and does not describe a solution to reliably temper (heat) a temperature bath for a sample located in the vessel.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] There may be a need to control/regulate a fluid in a temperature bath for sample analysis (in particular a dissolution analysis) in an efficient and reliable manner. The object is solved by the independent claims. Further embodiments are 20 shown by the dependent claims.
[0009] According to a first aspect, there is described an analytical device (e.g. a dissolution test device) for analyzing (e.g. during sample preparation) a sample (e.g. a drug), the analytical device comprising: i) a temperature bath for accommodating a fluid (e.g. water bath) for providing a temperature control (the term "temperature control" may in this context also include a temperature regulation) of the sample (e.g. located in a sample vessel), when (the fluid and/or the sample is) contained in the temperature bath (110); and ii) a common port (in particular a single/discrete component), coupled to the temperature bath (in particular fluidically coupled), and comprising/combining therein/within an inlet port (e.g. an inlet channel) and an outlet port (e.g. an outlet channel). -2 -
[0010] According to a second aspect, there is described a method of analyzing a sample, the method comprising: i) providing the sample to a fluid (e.g. into a sample vessel within the fluid); and ii) providing a temperature control of the bath in particular by streaming a fluid from an inlet port in an inlet fluid path through the fluid, and streaming the fluid from the fluid in an outlet fluid path to an outlet port.
Hereby, the inlet port and the outlet port are combined in a single common port (in particular connected to a single opening in the temperature bath).
[0011] According to a third aspect, there is described a use (method of using) a common port with an inlet port and an outlet port to control/regulate the temperature of a (sample within a) temperature bath with a heating fluid through a single opening of the temperature bath.
[0012] In the context of the present document, the term "comprising" (in particular a common port comprising an inlet port and an outlet port) may also refer to housing, containing, including, etc. [0013] In the context of the present document, the term "analytical device" may in particular refer to a device suitable to perform an analysis of a sample. In an example, the analytical device is applied to analyze (characterize) a sample by analyzing the dissolution behavior of said sample. In particular, the analytical device comprises a fluid (in a temperature bath volume) to place the sample (located in a sample vessel) at least partially into the fluid, so that a desired temperature (range) during the measurement can be provided. Besides the fluid (in the temperature bath), the analytical device may further comprise an analytical domain, configured to perform the actual analysis, e.g. dissolution test. For example, the analytical domain may comprise one or more respective sensor devices to monitor the dissolution behavior of the sample. Further, the analytical device may comprise a control device to perform the analysis in the analytical domain and/or to control/regulate the temperature of the fluid in the temperature bath.
[0014] In the context of the present document, the term "analyze" may refer to the characterization of at least one property of a sample. For example, a dissolution test -3 -would be such an analysis. Dissolution may be considered a sample preparation technique, so the term "analyze" may in this context also refer to analyzing a sample preparation.
[0015] In the context of the present document, the term "dissolution test device" may in particular refer to an analytical device suitable to perform a dissolution test, in particular for health-care and/or pharmaceutic samples such as drugs. Dissolution testing is typically performed using test equipment that holds a plurality of sample vessels and submerges the vessels in a temperature-controlled dissolution bath. In a specific conventional example (see US 7,658,198 B2), each vessel is then filled with a dissolution medium in which a solute/sample is placed, and the dissolution medium is then stirred using a stirring element. At some point, one or more samples of the resulting solution are taken from the vessel and evaluated, e.g., using a spectrophotometer, either in situ or by transporting the samples to an external device.
[0016] In the context of the present document, the term "temperature bath" may in particular refer to a delimited space suitable to take up a fluid for providing a temperature control/regulation of a sample. In an illustrative example, a temperature bath can be realized as a container or bath tube which is filled with a fluid for providing a temperature control of fluid. Water may be seen as a preferable choice for a temperature control fluid, but other suitable (liquid) fluids may be used as well. The temperature bath may be spatially delimited by sidewalls (and a bottom and eventually a lid). The temperature bath may further comprise at least one opening, e.g. for inlet of a fluid and for outlet/drain of the fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature bath of the present disclosure comprises only a single opening for both, an inlet fluid path and an outlet fluid path.
[0017] In the context of the present document, the term "port" may in particular refer to a structure being suitable to be streamed through by a fluid. For example, an inlet port may be suitable to enable a stream of a tempering (providing a temperature control) fluid in an inlet fluid path, while an outlet port may be suitable to enable a stream of the (consumed) tempering (providing a temperature control) fluid in an outlet fluid path. In an illustrative example, a port may be realized by a channel, a conduit, or a capillary. Further, a port may include (or be coupled to) a valve. A port may terminate with a mere (planar) opening, or a more sophisticated structure, such -4 -as a spout, may be used.
[0018] In the context of the present document, the term "fluid path" may in particular refer to a specific flow (behavior/properties) of a fluid. For example, a temperature control fluid (i.e. a fluid suitable for providing a temperature control; which is e.g. heated) that enters the temperature bath may flow through an inlet port and then in a specific manner through the bath (see e.g. Figure 1). In the same manner, a consumed temperature control fluid (which is e.g. cooled in comparison to the fluid of the inlet fluid path) may flow from the temperature bath in a specific way towards and through an outlet port (compare also Figure 1). The change from an inlet fluid path to an outlet fluid path within the temperature bath may be continuous, so that no exact border may be defined.
[0019] In the context of the present document, the term "common port" may in particular refer to a device being suitable to comprise an inlet port and an outlet port (see above). Hereby, both ports are implemented within one single device, i.e. a common device for the ports. Such a common port may be fluidically coupled to a single opening in a temperature bath, since all ports are integrated into one and the same device. A plurality of embodiments of the common port are shown in Figures 1 to 8, and it can be seen that, even though the inlet port and the outlet port may be implemented as two separate channels, these are still combined within one and the same device. In an example, the common port is configured as a stand-alone device (one piece) that can be handled/transported separately and can then be connected directly with the temperature bath.
[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, the disclosure may be based on the idea that a temperature bath for sample analysis (in particular a dissolution analysis) can be controlled/regulated in an efficient and reliable manner, when temperature control of the bath is triggered by a fluid to provide a temperature control (heating fluid) that enters the bath through an inlet port and leaves the bath through an outlet port, wherein the inlet port and the outlet port are combined within one single common port.
[0021] Illustratively speaking, the common port may be compared with a coaxial cable, where two distinct conductors are passed along the same circular cable. In this -5 -manner, a dual flow port can be provided, enabling a single opening in the temperature bath for inflow, outflow, and drainage. Reduction of openings may in particular reduce the risk of leakage, while maintaining temperature stability in the temperature bath.
[0022] Furthermore, advantages of the flow-through bath may be enhanced in relation to immersion heater baths (see above): no volume may be needed to be used for a heater in the bath, there may be no obstruction of view, and there may be an inherently better temperature variation/stability.
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0023] In the following, further embodiments of the disclosure are described.
These apply to the device(s) as well as to the method and the use.
[0024] In an embodiment, the inlet port is coupled to the temperature bath (in particular to a single opening) and is configured to supply the fluid (e.g. hot water) in an inlet fluid path (heating flow)) into the temperature bath.
[0025] In an embodiment, the outlet port is coupled to the temperature bath (in particular to the single opening) and is configured to drain the fluid in an outlet fluid path (e.g. cold water) (away) from the temperature bath.
[0026] In an embodiment, the analytical device is configured for analyzing the sample in a health-care and/or pharmaceutical context. In such a context, the sample to be analyzed may be a drug. The term "drug" may in this context refer to a chemical substance that may be suitable to cause a change in an organism's physiology/psychology (and is in particular distinguished from food in general). In the context of health-care/pharmacy, analytics are generally highly regulated, see for example the good laboratory practice (GLP) and good manufacturing practice (GMP) guidelines. In particular, during the approval/admission procedure of a drug or during quality control, very high standards may be required to be fulfilled in a healthcare/pharmaceutical environment. In order to fulfill said high standards, the conditions of the analysis, in particular the temperature stability, may have to be very accurate and reproducible. The described analytic device may fulfill such high accuracy requirements based on the reliable and efficient temperature control/regulation. -6 -
Hence, the analytic device may be configured to control the temperature to meet said dissolution regulations.
[0027] In the context of the present document, the term "health-care" may refer to diagnosis/treatment, while the term "pharmaceutical" may rather refer to the 5 manufacture of treatments. Yet, there may be some overlap of these areas.
[0028] In a further embodiment, the common port (in particular the inlet port and the outlet port) is (are) fluidically connected to one single opening of the temperature bath. Thereby, the risk of leakage may be reduced, while the stability may be increased. One single opening in the temperature bath may enable implementing only one interface that needs to be sealed. Less openings in temperature bath than flow-through ports (e.g. two port (inlet, outlet) or three port (inlet, outlet, drainage) versus one port in the temperature bath) may result in a lower risk of leakage. In an embodiment, the temperature bath comprises only a single opening. In another embodiment, the temperature bath comprises two or more opening, but only one for the common port.
[0029] In a further embodiment, the analytical device is configured so that the temperature of the fluid in the inlet fluid path is higher/lower than the temperature of the fluid in the outlet fluid path, in particular wherein the fluid is used for providing a temperature control (heating fluid). This may provide the advantage that the established concept of a temperature control of fluid in a fluid bath can be implemented in a straightforward manner. Nevertheless, this concept may be highly improved regarding efficiency and reliability, when streaming the inlet fluid and the outlet fluid through the same port device. Within the temperature bath, the fluid of the inlet fluid path (having a higher temperature than the temperature bath fluid) may cool down and become thereby the fluid of the outlet fluid path (having the same or a lower temperature than the temperature bath fluid).
[0030] In another embodiment, the fluid for providing a temperature control can be used to cool the temperature bath (fluid). Hereby, the fluid of the inlet fluid path would have a lower temperature than the fluid of the outlet fluid path.
[0031] In a further embodiment, the common port comprises a spout, coupled to the inlet port, and configured to stream the fluid in the inlet fluid path into the -7 -temperature bath. This may provide the advantage that the fluid is distributed into the temperature bath fluid in an efficient manner, in particular distributed away from the outlet fluid path (which would cool down the inlet fluid). The spout may comprise a curvature, so that the flow direction of the fluid in the inlet fluid path at least partially changes. The spout may have the same diameter as the inlet port, or a different diameter, in particular broader. In an example, the diameter of the spout changes, in particular is getting larger with the flow direction.
[0032] In a further embodiment, the spout is configured to change the flow direction of the fluid in the inlet fluid path, when entering into the temperature bath, in particular in an angle of more than 30°, in particular more than 60°, in particular (around) 90° (in an essentially rectangular manner). Thus, the flow direction may be changed in a practical and simple manner, thereby enabling an efficient inlet flow path that initially streams away from the outlet fluid path.
[0033] In a further embodiment, the common port comprises an opening at the outlet port, wherein the opening is configured to stream the fluid in the outlet fluid path out of the temperature bath, in particular with a constant flow direction, more in particular supported by the force of gravity (in particular passive). This embodiment may enable an efficient outlet fluid path that streams towards and into the outlet port directly.
[0034] In a further embodiment, the analytical device further comprises a connection device, coupled to the common port, and configured to further connect the inlet fluid path and/or the outlet fluid path. Thereby, the common port can be directly implemented into a design-flexible system of temperature control. The connection device may be realized as a manifold block that allows the connection of channel-like structures such as hosing.
[0035] In a further embodiment, the analytical device further comprises a heating connection (e.g. a hose), coupled to the common port or the connection device, and configured to supply the fluid to the inlet fluid path from a heating device. In this context, a "heating" device may be any device suitable to increase the temperature of a fluid. In another example, where the temperature bath should be cooled, the heating device may be replaced by a cooling device. -8 -
[0036] In a further embodiment, the analytical device comprises a draining connection (e.g. a hose), coupled to the common port or the connection device, and configured to drain the fluid from the outlet fluid path to a draining device (e.g. a valve; configured to drain fluid from the temperature control system) and/or to stream the fluid from the outlet fluid path to the heating device (or cooling device). In the latter case, the consumed fluid may be reheated and streamed to the inlet port, thereby enabling an efficient an environmentally friendly circulation.
[0037] In a further embodiment, the analytical device is configured to control and/or regulate the temperature of the fluid in the temperature bath, in particular based on the fluid temperature and/or fluid flow rate. For example, the analytical device may comprise a control device (which may also operate remotely) that determines the desired temperature for the sample(s). Different parameters may be considered to control the temperature in the temperature bath. An important parameter may be the temperature of the inlet port fluid. The flow rate may describe how much fluid can be pumped through the volume. A pressure may be derived from the flow rate; velocity of flow and hydraulic diameter inside the port, and would influence how far the flow "jets" into the bath.
[0038] In a further embodiment, the analytical device further comprises: the fluid in the temperature bath, in particular wherein the inlet fluid path streams into the temperature bath as a heated (or cooled) fluid, and wherein the outlet fluid path streams out of the temperature bath as a consumed, in particular cooled (or warmed) fluid. As described above, such an operation may enable an efficient flow path through the temperature bath fluid and thus an accurate temperature control of the sample(s).
[0039] In a further embodiment, the analytical device further comprises: one or more sample vessel(s) arranged in the temperature bath, wherein the one or more sample vessel(s) is/are configured to uptake the sample therein. This may provide the advantage that established and standardized principles of dissolution measurements can be directly implemented. In a further embodiment, the common port is configured to control the temperature of the one or more sample vessel(s) based on controlling the temperature of the temperature bath fluid.
[0040] In a further embodiment, the analytical device is configured as a dissolution test device, in particular configured to simulate a dissolution of the sample with -9 -respect to a patient's stomach. Thus, the advantages of the present disclosure can be directly transferred to dissolution testing, which generally requires a high level of accuracy and reliability. Samples of dissolution testing are often drugs and their dissolution behavior in a patient's (human or animal) stomach may be simulated within a sample vessel. For example, the sample vessel may be provided with a low pH value (high acid content) and/or a plurality of enzymes.
[0041] In a further embodiment, the common port comprises a tapering shape, in particular wherein the tapering direction is away from the temperature bath.
[0042] In a further embodiment, the common port comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion is spatially closer to the bath volume than the lower portion, and wherein the upper portion comprises a larger width than the lower portion.
[0043] In a further embodiment, wherein the common port comprises a hopper-like shape. These shapes may improve the fluidic connection to a (single) opening of the temperature bath.
[0044] In a further embodiment, the common port comprises a connection/lid plate on the upper portion and/or on top of the hopper-shape. Such a lid-like structure may cover the top of the common port to prevent fluid to enter the common port besides the ports.
[0045] In a further embodiment, the spout protrudes beyond the hopper-shape and/or the connection plate. Thereby, the spout may improve the inlet fluid path flow, when entering the temperature bath fluid.
[0046] In a further embodiment, the common port comprises an inner portion that comprises the inlet port and the outlet port. In a further embodiment, the common port comprises an outer portion that at least partially surrounds the inner portion (in particular fully surrounds). The outer portion may hence function as a stabilization for the inner portion.
[0047] In a further embodiment, the common port is configured as a discrete (fluidics and port can be segregated from rest of instrument device) (in particular a stand-alone device, a single piece). Thus, the common port may be applied in a -10 -design-flexible manner. Even though the inlet port and the outlet port (and a potential drainage port) are separated in the common port, the latter is still a discrete structure that combines both ports within.
[0048] In a further embodiment, the outlet port is arranged at the lowest part of the temperature bath, in particular with respect to the direction of gravity. This location may enable an especially efficient drainage of the outlet fluid path.
[0049] In a further embodiment, the flow direction of the inlet fluid path and/or the flow direction of the outlet fluid path is (essentially) vertical, in particular (essentially) parallel to the direction of gravity. In other words, the common port is connected to the temperature bath at the bottom. Thereby, an efficient outlet fluid path flow may be enabled. In contrast, the inlet fluid path may require an elevated flow (in particular pressure) for efficient streaming.
[0050] In a further embodiment, the method further comprises: performing a dissolution test, in particular in a health-care and/or pharmaceutical context (see
description above).
[0051] In a further embodiment, the method further comprises: circulating the fluid between the outlet port and the inlet port. In particular, wherein such a circulation comprises (is through) a heating device (or a cooling device). This may provide the advantage that a circulation can be established and consumed fluid can (at least partially) be recycled by further temperature control (heating or cooling).
[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the common port combines an inlet port and an outlet port in one single component. In an exemplary embodiment, the common port comprises a Y-shaped part/port. This part can be located in the temperature bath (fluid), and can be used to create a sealing surface to prevent fluid/water leakage. In an exemplary embodiment, the common port can be produced, at least partially, by injection moulding. In another example, the common port can be produced, at least partially, by additive manufacturing (3D-printing). In another example, the common port can be machined (shaped by machine actions such as drilling). In an exemplary embodiment, the common port comprises at least partially, plastic. Plastic may provide the advantage of a low thermal conductivity. In a further example, any insulating, waterproof, low permeability material could be used (advantageously).
-11 -
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0053] Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated and become better understood by reference to the following more detailed description of embodiments in connection with the accompanied drawings. Features that are substantially or functionally equal or similar will be referred to by the same reference signs.
[0054] Figure 1 illustrates an analytical device with a common port and a fluid flow path, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0055] Figure 2 illustrates a common port, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0056] Figure 3 illustrates an analytical device with a common port, according to a further exemplary embodiment.
[0057] Figure 4 illustrates an analytical device with a common port having a spout, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0058] Figure 5 illustrates an analytical device with a connection device, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0059] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-section through the common port, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0060] Figure 7 illustrates an analytical device with a common port connected to a bath volume, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0061] Figures 8A to 8E illustrate respectively a common port, according to to exemplary embodiments.
[0062] Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, Figure 1 depicts an analytical device 100 with a common port 150 and a fluid flow path, according to an exemplary embodiment. The analytical device 100 comprises a temperature bath 110, here a water container, for accommodating a fluid (here water) for providing a temperature control of the sample. The analytical device 100 is a dissolution test device and the sample is provided within a sample vessel that is placed into the fluid (not shown).
-12 - [0063] A common port 150 is fluidically connected (i.e. a connection that enables fluid exchange) to a single opening in the temperature bath 110. The common port 150 comprises an inlet port 120 and an outlet port 130, each being fluidically coupled with the single opening in the temperature bath 110. Through the inlet port 120, there is supplied a heating fluid (e.g. heated water) within an inlet fluid path 121 (in other words a hot fluid path, illustrated by arrows) into the temperature bath 110. Through the outlet port 130, consumed fluid (e.g. cold water) is drained in an outlet fluid path 131 (in other words a cold fluid path, illustrated by arrows) out of the temperature bath 110. In other words, the temperature of the fluid in the inlet fluid path 121 is higher than the temperature of the fluid in the outlet fluid path 131.
[0064] In the example shown, the temperature bath 110 is filled with the temperature bath fluid, wherein the inlet fluid path 120 streams into the temperature bath fluid as a heated fluid, and wherein the outlet fluid path 130 streams out of the temperature bath fluid as a cooled fluid. Thereby, depending on the temperature of the heating fluid (and the flow rate by which the fluid is provided), the analytical device is configured to regulate the temperature of the fluid in the temperature bath 110.
[0065] The analytical device 100 further comprises a heating device 160, coupled fluidically to the outlet port 130, so that the (consumed) fluid is streamed in the outlet fluid path 131 to the heating device 160. Within the heating device 160, the fluid is tempered (heated) again and then provided to the inlet fluid path 121 to be streamed through the inlet port 120 back into the temperature bath 110. In this manner, an efficient circulation of the temperature control fluid can be established. There is further indicated a draining device 170, e.g. a drain valve, for draining (consumed) fluid out of the temperature control system.
[0066] Figure 2 illustrates a common port 150, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this basic embodiment, the common port 150 comprises two channels that are oriented in parallel to each other. Further, both channels are oriented vertically, i.e. along the direction of gravity. While the left channel is the inlet port 120 for the inlet fluid path 121, the right channel is the outlet port 130 for the outlet fluid path 131. The common port 150 comprises a tapering shape, wherein the tapering direction is towards the direction of gravity (away from the temperature bath 110). In other words, the common port 150 comprises a hopper-like shape. The upper -13 - (broadest) portion of the common port 150 (shown is the inner portion 152) can be connected to the single opening of the temperature bath 110.
[0067] Figure 3 illustrates an analytical device 100 with a common port 150, according to a further exemplary embodiment. The common port 150 is comparable to the one of Figure 2 (yet, the hopper-like shape is less pronounced) and is fluidically connected to said single opening of the temperature bath 110. The fluid connection is established preferably at the lowest part/point of the temperature bath 110. Due to this location, an especially efficient drain of the outlet fluid path 131 can be enabled that is supported by the force of gravity (in the vertical direction downwards).
[0068] Further, it has been shown, that the fluid of inlet fluid path 121 (preferably streamed into the temperature bath fluid with sufficient pressure) is distributed over the fluid and can thereby efficiently temper the water bath.
[0069] Figure 4 illustrates an analytical device 100 with a common port 150 having a spout 155, according to an exemplary embodiment. It can be seen that this embodiment is a more sophisticated version of the embodiment Figure 3. The common port 150 comprises a straight (column-like) shape (instead of a hopper-shape) and extends into the temperature bath 110. While the outlet port 130 is configured as a vertical channel (like in Figure 3) and is connected to the temperature bath 110 by a simple opening 135, the inlet port 120 comprises a spout 155 through which the inlet fluid path 121 enters into the temperature control path.
[0070] The spout 155 leads the inlet fluid path 121 and enables herby a change in the flow direction of the fluid in the inlet fluid path 121, when entering into the temperature bath 110. In the example shown, the change in the flow direction is e.g. 90°, i.e. the flow direction changes from a vertical flow to a horizontal flow direction.
Since the common port 150 protrudes into the temperature bath 110, the spout 155 enables a highly efficient stream of heating fluid into the bath and away from the outlet fluid path 131. Thus, hot fluid and consumed fluid can be spatially separated more efficiently, thereby improving the circulation of heating fluid in the temperature bath fluid. For the outlet port 130, in contrast, the opening 135 can provide the most efficient drain, since it can be directly supported by the force of gravity.
[0071] Figure 5 illustrates an analytical device 100 with a connection device 180, -14 -according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the common port 150 extends into the temperature bath 110 as shown in detail for Figure 4. The focus of Figure 5 is on the connection device 180 that is spatially located below the common port 150. In other words, the common port 150 is mounted on the connection device 180. The latter comprises two connections (besides the connection to the common port 150), a heating connection 161 and a drain connection 171. These connections 161, 171 are terminals in this example, configured to be connected for example to a channel-like structure such as a hose.
[0072] The inlet port 120 and the inlet fluid path 121 are fluidically connected to the heating connection 161, so that heated fluid (e.g. from the heating device 160) can be supported. The outlet port 130 and the outlet fluid path 131, instead, are fluidically connected to the draining connection 171, so that consumed fluid can be drained, e.g. through the draining valve 170 and/or streamed to the heating device 160 for circulation in the temperature control system.
[0073] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-section through the common port 150, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this preferred example, the common port 150 comprises a hopper-like shape with two separated (yet combined in the same single device) channels, one being the outlet port 130 for the outlet fluid path 131 (see arrows) and the other one being the inlet port 120 for the inlet fluid path 121 (see arrows). The outlet port 130 comprises the planar opening 135 at the interface to the temperature bath fluid, while the inlet port 120 comprises the spout 155. The spout 155 is an enlarged flow-through structure that directs the inlet fluid path 121 from the vertical direction to a horizontal direction and thereby away from the outlet fluid path 131 direction.
[0074] Figure 7 illustrates an analytical device 100 with a common port 150 connected to a bath volume 110, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this example, common port 150, mounted on connection device 180, is arranged with the spout 155 and the opening 135 within the temperature bath 110.
[0075] Figures 8A to 8E illustrate respectively a common port 150, according to exemplary embodiments.
[0076] Figure 8A: a connection plate 156 covers the top of the common port 150, -15 -leaving open the spout 155 and the planar opening 135. Said connection plate 156 can be pressed against an outer wall of the temperature bath 110 or it can be located within the temperature bath 100.
[0077] Figure 8B: this cross-section (compare Figure 6) shows in detail the connection between the common port 150 and the connection device 180, including the heating connection 161 and the draining connection 171.
[0078] Figure 8C: this exploded view shows an embodiment, wherein the common port 150 comprises an inner portion 152 with the inlet port 120 and the outlet port 130, as well as an outer portion 151 that circumferentially surrounds the inner portion 152.
Further shown is the connection plate 156, the heating connection 161, the draining connection 171, and the connection device 180.
[0079] Figure 8D: this embodiment shows in detail the connection plate 156 with an open space for the spout 155 and the opening 135.
[0080] Figure 8E illustrates an example of the outer portion 151 with a hopper-like shape.
[0081] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or features and the "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Also elements described in association with different embodiments may be combined. It should also be noted that reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
[0082] Reference signs Analytical device 110 Temperature bath Inlet port 121 Inlet fluid path Outlet port 131 Outlet fluid path Opening Common port 151 Outer common port portion -16 - 152 Inner common port portion Spout 156 Contact plate 160 Heating device 161 Heating connection Draining device 171 Draining connection Connection device -17 -