Abstract: A system providing a sterile connection between a sensor probe and a fluid processing apparatus (e.g., a bioreactor) includes a first probe receiving element mountable to the fluid processing apparatus and a second probe receiving element having a gas-permeable contaminant barrier material and coupleable to the first probe receiving element. A sensor probe may be mounted to the second probe receiving element, with the combination being sterilized with a sterilant gas such as steam. Following such sterilization, connection between the first and second probe receiving elements is made through matable sterile couplings, and the probe is insertable through the coupled receiving elements to a position in fluid contact with the interior of the fluid processing apparatus.

Abstract: A selectively closeable drain connector includes a hollow plunger moveable relative to an aperture-defining drain flange. The connector includes two circumferential seals between the plunger and the flange, and includes at least one passage disposed between the seals leading to a hollow interior. The drain connector may be joined to a processing bag and/or tank to form a substance processing receptacle.