Abstract: A hygienic insert connector assembly that prevents biological contamination within food, beverage and biopharma processes includes an insert to pass through an opening into a fluid chamber, a support assembly, a seal disposed around the insert to seal the opening into the fluid chamber, and a seal compression mechanism. When the seal is axially compressed, the seal radially expands and contacts both the wall of the opening into the fluid chamber and the insert to collectively form a fluid tight seal. This eliminates the potential for product entrapment with the associated biological contamination risk, and allows efficient in-place cleaning and sterilization. The connector assembly can be installed in any orientation and functions such that positive pressure inside the fluid chamber enhances the sealing mechanism. The simple design enables the insert to be easily removed, examined, and re-inserted in conformance with international sanitary design standards.

Abstract: A hygienic insert connector assembly that prevents biological contamination within food, beverage and biopharma processes includes an insert to pass through an opening into a fluid chamber, a support assembly, a seal disposed around the insert to seal the opening into the fluid chamber, and a seal compression mechanism. When the seal is axially compressed, the seal radially expands and contacts both the wall of the opening into the fluid chamber and the insert to collectively form a fluid tight seal. This eliminates the potential for product entrapment with the associated biological contamination risk, and allows efficient in-place cleaning and sterilization. The connector assembly can be installed in any orientation and functions such that positive pressure inside the fluid chamber enhances the sealing mechanism. The simple design enables the insert to be easily removed, examined, and re-inserted in conformance with international sanitary design standards.

Abstract: A hygienic insert connector assembly that prevents biological contamination under sanitary processing conditions. It comprises an insert adapted to pass through an opening into a fluid chamber, a support assembly to support the insert, a seal disposed around the insert to seal the opening into the fluid chamber, and a compression mechanism to compress the seal. When the seal is axially compressed, the seal radially expands and contacts the wall of the opening into the fluid chamber as well as compressing the seal against the insert to form fluid tight seals. This eliminates the potential for product entrapment within or around the sealed surfaces, allowing efficient in-place cleaning and sterilization procedures as well as minimizing product wastage on process startup and shutdown.

Abstract: A measurement probe connector assembly or conduit connector assembly comprises an insert adapted to pass through an opening into the fluid chamber, a support assembly to support the insert, a seal disposed around the insert to seal the opening into the fluid chamber, and a compression mechanism to compress the seal. When the seal is axially compressed, the seal radially expands and contacts the inside edge of the opening into the fluid chamber to form a fluid tight seal. The connector assembly is designed so that positive pressure inside the fluid chamber enhances the seal that is formed. Additionally, the connector assembly is designed to minimize biological contamination risks and the transfer of thermal and/or electrical energy from the fluid chamber wall to the insert.