EP4633811A1

EP4633811A1 - Centrifuge device

Info

Publication number: EP4633811A1
Application number: EP23833524.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Riccardo Della Ragione
Original assignee: Prometheus Srl; Prometheus SRL
Current assignee: Prometheus Srl; Prometheus SRL
Priority date: 2022-12-13
Filing date: 2023-12-04
Publication date: 2025-10-22
Also published as: WO2024127151A1; IT202200025518A1

Abstract

Centrifuge device (100) for separating a liquid solution (S) into its fluid components (C1, C2) having different weight/density comprising a transfer conduit (20) and a container (10) adapted to contain the solution (S) for subjecting it to centrifugation, said container (10) being configured to rotate at high speed, characterised in that the centrifuge device (100) further comprises a housing (40) within which a connection element (30) moves, preferably translates, interposed between the transfer conduit (20) and said container (10), and configured to connect/disconnect said transfer conduit (20) and said container (10) to enable/prevent the passage of the solution (S) and/or the fluid components (C1, C2).

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: CENTRIFUGE DEVICE

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention fits in the field of devices for centrifuging liquids, more specifically for separating a solution into its components having different weight/density.

In particular, it is a device for processing blood and separating its blood components (plasma, red blood cells and platelets), wherein centrifugal force is used for separation.

STATE OF THE ART

Devices that enable a solution to be separated into its components having different weight/density by centrifugation are known to the state of the art.

Said devices comprise a container in which the solution to be separated is introduced.

Said container is put into rotation to actuate the centrifugation of the solution.

For example, said solution may be blood for the separation of red blood cells and plasma.

During the centrifugation process, the blood separates into two concentric cylinders, plasma on the inside (lower weight) and red blood cells on the outside (greater weight).

When the rotation of the container is stopped, in particular through a gentle deceleration, the two cylinders shift and place themselves as follows: at the top the lighter plasma and at the bottom the heavier red blood cells.

Once the separation has taken place, it is possible to withdraw the content from the container and transfer it to another outer compartment such as a bag, or syringe, or PVC tubes, etc.

It is important that during the entire separation process of the solution until the transfer of its components to the outer compartment, the sterility of the solution is guaranteed, avoiding any contamination with external substances or air.

To ensure sterility, the known devices provide that the container is constantly connected to a transfer conduit that enables the components to be transferred to the outer compartment.

Therefore, the solution subjected to centrifugation must be able to be transferred from the container, put in rotation, to a static transfer conduit, which is not put in rotation.

In the known devices, this transfer of fluid is made possible thanks to the presence of rotating sliding sealing elements between the container and the transfer conduit that enable the connection between said rotating container and said static transfer conduit to be maintained. The known devices comprise sealing elements which may be of the ceramic type.

An example of said sealing element comprises two discs placed against each other. In particular, a ceramic disc and a graphite disc.

The sealing of the device is guaranteed by the fact that the two discs have an extremely glossy surface, therefore when they contact each other, they do not enable the passage of fluid and can spin freely.

However, these sealing elements have several problems.

In fact, to ensure that there are no leaks, it is fundamental that the two discs are always perfectly parallel to each other and it is strictly necessary that there are no radial and axial misalignments.

In fact, this misalignment can cause a detachment of the discs with consequent leak of liquid.

To reduce these problems, some known devices have a spring or gaskets whose function is to preload a disc (usually the ceramic one) so that contact is better guaranteed. These devices are mounted on machines that usually have sensors adapted to check for accidental leaks of liquid.

Other devices, to ensure the sealing during the rotation of the container and enable the transfer of fluids, instead use rotating sliding sealing elements made of technopolymers.

Said sealing elements are for example rotating V-lip gaskets, commonly called V-rings. These, in order to work, must necessarily slide on a metal surface.

Sliding on plastics is not possible as they could cause it to melt. In such systems it is therefore necessary to have metal components (steel or aluminium) that are able to let the gasket slide on it and also dissipate the heat produced. In addition, these systems require a ball bearing to ensure a correct alignment of the V-rings with respect to the axis of rotation.

Both types of sealing elements used in the known devices, when they slide, by mechanical effect they consume and release substances into the air (even very small).

These microparticles can contaminate the solution, or the components being transferred.

Furthermore, again due to said rotating sealing elements, and therefore the sliding between two bodies, the known devices need materials and/or systems capable of dissipating heat, otherwise the high process temperatures would alter the solution.

Furthermore, said rotating sealing elements are susceptible to axial and radial misalignments and therefore are not always able to guarantee the sealing.

In the event of small and rapid losses of sealing of the rotating gaskets, the problem of non-sterile air entry is generated. The known devices must therefore be equipped with systems for checking the state of the seals (often very complex to use and develop) to prevent the solution or the processed components from being contaminated.

EXPOSURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The technical problem underlying the present invention is to make available a centrifuge device for separating a liquid solution into its components having different weight/density, structurally and functionally designed to overcome one or more of the limits set out above with reference to the cited prior art.

Within the scope of the aforementioned problem, a main object of the invention is to develop a centrifuge device for separating a liquid solution into its components having different weight/density without rotating sliding sealing elements that enables not to contaminate or alter the solution and the processed components, in particular reducing the possibility of wear and with no need for any heat dissipation.

Another object of the invention is also to make available to the art a centrifuge device for separating a liquid solution into its components having different weight/density that enables maintaining the sterility of the solution and of the components in particular by cancelling the leaks due to the malfunction of the rotating sealing elements, which can cause the entry of non-sterile air.

Furthermore, by means of said device it is possible to increase the rotation speed of the container and increase the efficiency of the separation process.

In particular, one embodiment of the present invention makes available a centrifuge device for separating a liquid solution into its fluid components having different weight/density.

Preferably said centrifuge device comprises a transfer conduit and a container adapted to contain the solution for subjecting it to centrifugation.

In particular, said container is configured to rotate at high speed.

Advantageously said centrifuge device further comprises a housing within which a connection element moves.

Thanks to this solution, it is possible to move the connection element as a function of the operating state of the centrifuge device.

Preferably said connection element translates within the housing. The translation enables performing a movement that simplifies the mechanical construction of the device.

Preferably said connection element is interposed between the transfer conduit and said container and preferably it is configured to connect/disconnect said transfer conduit and said container so as to enable/prevent the passage of the solution and/or the fluid components.

Thanks to this solution it is possible to enable or prevent the passage of the fluid as a function of the operating conditions of the device.

Preferably the connection element is internally hollow to enable the passage of the fluid.

Preferably the connection element is movable between a connection position wherein it hydraulically connects the transfer conduit and the container enabling the passage of fluid from and to the container and a disconnection position wherein it interrupts the hydraulic communication from the transfer conduit to the container preventing the passage of fluid from and to the container.

Advantageously, the connection element is configured to remain connected to said transfer conduit at all times, and to perform the connection/disconnection from the container.

Thanks to this solution, the connection element remains connected to static components of the device, reducing wear.

In particular, the connection element assumes the connection position when the container is not rotating and assumes the disconnection position when the container is rotating.

Thanks to this solution, the connection element is not subject to slidings due to the rotation of the container.

Advantageously, the container comprises a valve placed at the inlet to the container, preferably made of a deformable material, adapted to enable the engagement of the connection element to put the container in communication with the transfer conduit.

Preferably said valve adapted to close the container when the connection element is not engaged.

Thanks to this solution, the opening or closing of the valve is activated directly by the connection element and does not require further means to activate it.

Preferably the connection element comprises an internally hollow body.

In particular, it may comprise a first end portion configured to preferably slide within the transfer conduit to move from the connection position to the disconnection position and vice versa.

Furthermore, it may comprise a second end portion configured to engage/disengage with the container.

Preferably the body comprises on the outside a radial extension contacting an inner side surface of the housing.

Preferably the radial extension comprises a sealing element with which it contacts the inner side surface.

Thanks to this solution, the connection element performs not only the function of connecting/disconnecting, but also of separating the area of inlet to the container from the transfer conduit.

Advantageously, the radial extension defines within the housing a first chamber facing the transfer conduit and a second chamber facing the container.

In particular, said housing is delimited at the top by a preferably perforated upper portion to receive the transfer conduit.

In particular, said housing is delimited at the bottom by a lower portion.

Said lower portion is preferably configured to define the seat in which a bearing is inserted for the rotation of the container.

Advantageously, the second chamber, facing the container, is in fluid communication with a conduit adapted to introduce a protective fluid preferably with a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

Thanks to this solution it is possible to reduce the contamination of the fluid in the container due to the external environment.

Optionally said protective fluid is sterile air.

Thanks to this type of fluid, a simple and economical solution is obtained.

Preferably the second chamber facing the container receives the protective fluid from the conduit when the connection element assumes the disconnection position.

Thanks to this solution, disconnecting the container from the transfer conduit does not put the fluid contained in the container at risk of contamination.

Advantageously, the centrifuge device comprises actuating means for moving, preferably translating, the connection element within the housing.

Thanks to this solution, the position of the connection element is managed in an automated way, depending on the operational step.

Advantageously, the actuating means comprise an injector of operating fluid preferably connected to a pump for creating a pressure or vacuum that preferably acts on said extension to generate a force actuating the displacement of the connection element.

Thanks to this feature, a simple and economical solution is obtained that avoids having additional mechanical components on the centrifuge device.

The injector is preferably in communication with the housing in particular with the first chamber.

Thanks to this solution, the second chamber will not be contaminated.

These and other objects are reached by the characteristics of the invention as set forth in the independent claims. The dependent claims outline preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

Said objects and advantages are all achieved by the centrifuge device for separating a liquid solution into its components having different weight/density, object of the present invention, which is characterised by the provisions of the claims reported below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This and other features will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred illustrated embodiment, by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 : illustrates in axonometric view a centrifuge device according to the invention;

Figure 2a, 2b: illustrates a sectional view of the housing of a centrifuge device according to the invention, with the connection element in the two operating positions;

Figure 3: illustrates a sectional view of the housing of a centrifuge device with the conduit B visible;

Figure 4: illustrates an exploded view of a centrifuge device according to the invention;

Figure 5a, 5b, 5c: illustrates in sequence the first working steps of the centrifuge device according to the invention;

Figure 6a, 6b, 6c: illustrates in sequence the second working steps of the centrifuge device according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With particular reference to the figure, a centrifuge device 100 for separating a liquid solution S into its components having different weight/density is depicted. Said centrifuge device 100 preferably comprises a transfer conduit 20 and a container 10.

The container 10 is adapted to contain the solution S to be subjected to centrifugation to separate it into its two or more components Cl, C2 having different weight/density.

Therefore, before the centrifugation process, the container 10 contains the solution S to be treated, whilst after performing said centrifugation process, it contains the processed components Cl, C2.

Said solution S may for example be blood which is separated by centrifugation into the two fluid components Cl, C2 which may be red blood cells and plasma.

Particularly during the centrifugation process, the blood separates into two concentric cylinders, the plasma on the inside with lower weight and the red blood cells on the outside with greater weight.

When the rotation of the container 10 is stopped, in particular through a gentle deceleration, the two cylinders shift and place themselves as follows: at the top the lighter plasma and at the bottom the heavier red blood cells.

At this point, it is possible to withdraw the content from the container 10 and transfer it to another outer compartment 60 such as a bag, or syringe, or PVC tubes, etc.

In particular, the transfer conduit 20 is configured to make a hydraulic connection between the container 10 and said outer compartment 60.

Said container 10 is configured to rotate at high speed, for example 2000-5000 rpm, but also up to 10,000 rpm.

Said rotation preferably takes place around the axis of symmetry X of the container 10.

We do not go into detail about how the container 10 is put into rotation, as various systems can be used.

The centrifuge container 10 can be put into rotation, by means of driving means comprising, for example, a motor and motion transfer means, adapted to put said motor in operating connection with the container 10, for example a system of pulleys or belts, or any means that by interference with the container 10, can transmit the motion.

According to one aspect of the invention the transfer conduit 20 is instead fixed, i.e. non-rotating as well as the outer compartment 60.

According to one aspect of the invention, the centrifuge device 100 further comprises a housing 40 within which a connection element 30 moves, preferably translates, interposed between the transfer conduit 20 and said container 10.

Said housing 40 and said connection element 30 can be made of various materials such as for example thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers, metallic materials, etc.

Preferably they are made of Abs. Advantageously, said connection element 30 is configured to connect/disconnect said transfer conduit 20 with said container 10 to enable/prevent the passage of the solution S and/or of the fluid components Cl, C2.

According to one aspect of the invention the connection element 30 is internally hollow to enable the passage of fluid in particular of the solution S and/or of the fluid components Cl, C2.

Preferably said connection element 30 is movable between a connection position C and a disconnection position D.

In particular in the connection position C the connection element 30 puts in hydraulic communication the transfer conduit 20 and the container 10 enabling the entry of the solution S to the container 10 or the exit of the fluid components Cl, C2 from the container 10.

In particular in the disconnection position D the connection element 30 interrupts the hydraulic communication from the transfer conduit 20 to the container 10 preventing the entry of the solution S to the container 10 or the exit of the fluid components Cl, C2 from the container 10.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connection element 30 assumes the connection position C when the container 10 is not rotating.

Preferably the connection element 30 assumes the disconnection position D when the container 10 is rotating.

This enables not to have slidings between a fixed and a rotating element since the transfer conduit 20 which is fixed, i.e. not rotating, is connected to the container 10 only when it is stationary, i.e. not rotating.

Before putting the container 10 into rotation, the connection with the transfer conduit 20 is interrupted in particular by bringing the connection element 30 into the disconnection position D.

A preferred embodiment depicted in figure 2, provides that the connection element 30 is configured, to remain connected to said transfer conduit 20 at all times, and to perform the connection/disconnection at the container 10.

Preferably, the connection element 30 assumes the connection position C towards the container 10, whist it assumes the disconnection position D away from the container.

In particular, the connection element 30 comprises an internally hollow body 31.

Said body 31 may have a cylindrical shape as depicted in figure 2, 3, 4.

Preferably the body 31 comprises a first end portion 34.

Said first end portion 34 is configured to preferably slide within the transfer conduit 20 to move from the connection position C to the disconnection position D and vice versa as depicted in figure 2.

Alternatively, the connection element 30 could slide outside the transfer conduit 20 while remaining connected to it at all times.

Preferably said body 31 comprises a second end portion 35 configured to engage/disengage with the container 10.

According to a preferred aspect, the container 10 comprises a valve 11 placed on a mouth 15 of the container 10.

In particular, the connection element 30 and preferably the second end portion 35 cooperates with said valve 11 to perform the connection/disconnection from the container 10. Said valve 11 is preferably positioned within the housing 40.

Said valve 11 comprises in its inside an openable/closable hollow passage 12 to enable the entry/exit of fluid from the container 10.

Preferably, said valve 11 comprises a lip 13 made of deformable material, for example silicone material.

In particular, the valve 11 is adapted to enable the engagement of the connection element 30 to put the container 10 in communication with the transfer conduit 20.

Preferably, the lip 13 of said valve 11 is closed when the connection element 30 is not engaged.

Said lip 13 preferably blocks the entry/exit of fluid from the container 10. In fact, the deformable material of the valve 11 and in particular of said lip 13 closes the inlet to the hollow passage 12 opened by the previous engagement of the connection element 30.

In fact, by pushing the connection element 30 against said lip 13, this one is deformed until it receives the second end portion 35 inside the valve 11.

Said preferred type of valve 11 is generally called needle free and is known to a person skilled in the art.

Outside said body 31, a radial extension 32 is provided.

In particular, said radial extension 32 extends until it contacts an inner side surface 45 of the housing 40.

Advantageously, in the area of contact with the inner side surface 45 said radial extension 32 comprises a sealing element 33 adapted to prevent the passage of fluids, in particular air, as will be better described below.

In particular, said housing 40 is delimited at the top by a preferably perforated upper portion 43 to engage with the transfer conduit 20.

Preferably, as depicted in the figure, the housing 40 is delimited at the bottom by a lower portion 44, preferably configured to define the seat in which a bearing 47 is inserted.

In particular, said bearing 47 is externally in contact with said lower portion 44, and internally with the container 10 in particular with its inlet mouth 15 and enables the rotation of the container 10 with respect to the fixed housing 40.

One embodiment provides that the radial extension 32 defines within the housing 40 a first chamber 41 facing the transfer conduit 20 and a second chamber 42 facing the container 10.

Said first chamber 41 is preferably delimited on one side by the upper portion 43 and on the other side by the extension 32, while the second chamber 42 is preferably delimited on one side by the lower portion 44 with the bearing 47 and on the other side by the extension 32.

Said first and second chamber 41, 42 have variable volume as a function of the position assumed by the connection element 30 which, by translating, brings the extension 32 into a position closer to or away from the container 10.

Increasing the volume of the first chamber 41 implies decreasing the volume of the second chamber 42.

The figure depicts an embodiment in which when the connection element 30 is in the disconnection position D, the volume of the first chamber 41 is zero, since the extension 32 is preferably in contact with the upper portion 43 of the housing 40.

According to a preferred embodiment said centrifuge device 100 further comprises actuating means 50 for moving, the connection element 30 within the housing 40.

A preferred embodiment depicted in figure 2 provides that said actuating means 50 are configured to translate the connection element 30 between two extreme positions the connection position C and the disconnection position D.

Said actuating means 50 can be realized in different ways, for example they can comprise mechanical means for bringing the connection element 30 from the connection position C to the disconnection position D and/or vice versa.

Said mechanical means, not depicted in the figure, can be manual or automated.

For example, a return spring opposed by a pneumatic cylinder, or any other solution adapted to translate said connection element 30 between two positions.

Figure 2 depicts an embodiment that provides that said actuating means 50 are not of a mechanical type.

In particular, said actuating means 50 comprise an injector A of operating fluid F2 connected to a pump, not depicted in the figure, for creating a pressure or vacuum.

In particular, said operating fluid F2 acts on said extension 32 to generate a force actuating the displacement of the connection element 30.

In figure 2 the injector A is in communication with the housing 40 in particular with the first chamber 41.

In the event that the operating fluid F2 is inserted with a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, the connection element 30 will approach the container 10 to assume the connection position C.

In the event that the operating fluid F2 is inserted with a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, the connection element 30 will move away from the container 10 to assume the disconnection position D.

This operation is guaranteed by the presence of the sealing element 33 that prevents the passage of fluids, in particular air, from the first chamber 41 to the second chamber 42, enabling the movement of the connection element 30 by using an operating fluid F2.

A preferred aspect of the invention provides that the second chamber 42 facing the container 10 is in fluid communication with a conduit B adapted to introduce a protective fluid Fl.

Said protective fluid Fl preferably has a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

In particular, the second chamber 42 facing the container 10 sucks the protective fluid Fl from the conduit B, preferably when the connection element 30 assumes the disconnection position D.

The overpressure being created in the second chamber 42 prevents the entry of contaminants, which by coming into contact with the container 10, could contaminate the solution S contained therein, in particular when the connection element 30 is in the disconnection position D.

In other words, the second chamber 42 functions as a clean room, that is, it is a controlled contamination environment. The purpose of the clean room is to provide a working environment that limits the presence of particles/particulates inside it thanks to a particular air filtration system. The pressure therein may vary.

Preferably, there might be about 150 Pascal of overpressure in the second chamber 42 with respect to the external environment. However, very few overpressure pascals are sufficient to prevent microorganisms or pollutants from being able to enter the housing 40. For example, 10 Pascals may already be enough.

The protective fluid Fl introduced into the second chamber 42 from the conduit B, exits through the bearing 47. The air flow being generated, therefore, prevents the entry of substances from the outside of the container 10, towards its interior.

This system enables to the connection element 30 to connect and disconnect within the housing 40 in total safety, eliminating the risk of contamination of the solution S or of the fluid components Cl, Cl.

In fact, it is important, in the processes in which the environment in which the process fluid is moved must be safeguarded, (for example blood or biological samples for therapeutic purposes or similar), to create an adequate environment for this purpose.

In the container 10 this is guaranteed by a continuous flow of protective fluid Fl, which passes through the conduit B into the second chamber 42.

To optimize the solution, the protective fluid Fl can be, for example, sterile air, for example, previously filtered.

In fact, air drawn by a filter can be used.

The air can be filtered with filters of smaller or larger porosity depending on the application and the degree of cleanliness required.

For this application, a suitable type of filter could be 0.2 microns. The filter can be integrated on the centrifuge device 100, for example at the inlet to the conduit B, or placed inside an independent machine.

Furthermore, thanks to the continuous flow of protective fluid Fl, it is also possible to dissipate the heat produced by the bearing 47. Therefore, thanks to said flow, the bearing 47 can also be engaged in a plastic housing, which is not able to dissipate the heat produced by the bearing 47, anyhow preventing plastic deformations from occurring.

As depicted in figures 4, 5, 6 the container 10 further comprises a plunger 17 opposed to the mouth 15.

Said plunger 17 is configured to translate inside the container and perform the expulsion of the contained fluid in particular of the two or more components Cl, C2.

Below is reported a possible working cycle of said centrifuge device 100.

Step 1, reported in figure 5a: The connection element 30 is in a connection position C. In particular, it is inserted into the valve 11. The container 10 is stationary.

The solution S, in particular the blood, is introduced into the container 10.

Step 2, reported in figure 5b: The connection element 30 is in a disconnection position D.

The container 10 begins to rotate, in particular it can reach up to 10,000 rpm.

Step 3, reported in figure 5c: the solution S begins to separate into its two or more components Cl, C2 having different weight/density.

In particular, the separation of blood into plasma-red blood cells takes place

Step 4, reported in figure 6a: The connection element 30 is in a disconnection position D.

The container 10 begins to reduce the rotation speed which decreases slowly to ensure that the two or more components Cl, C2, for example the plasma and the blood cells, remain separate.

Step 5, reported in figure 6b: The container 10 stops and the connection element 30 moves into the connection position C in particular it is inserted into the valve 11.

Step 6, reported in figure 6c: for example by using a peristaltic pump or syringe or other means, one component Cl, C2 at a time, in particular first the plasma and then the red blood cells, are extracted from the container 10 towards the outer compartment 60.

Said one or more steps preferably occur simultaneously when introducing into the housing 40 a protective fluid Fl through the conduit B.

Therefore, thanks to said centrifuge device 100 the following objectives are achieved.

No release of substance into the liquid : the known devices exploit rotating seals (V-rings, ceramics, etc.). When they slide, by mechanical effect they consume and release substances into the air (even very small ones). These microparticles may be released into the process solution. Thanks to the connection element 30 that provides for the connection/disconnection to the container 10, there is no risk of generating microparticles due to the sliding. Low process temperature: again because of the rotating seals and therefore the sliding between two bodies, the known containers need materials and/or devices capable of dissipating heat, otherwise the high process temperatures would alter the solution contained in the container. Thanks to the centrifuge device 100 object of the invention, having no sliding, the temperatures remain low throughout the process and there is no need for any heat dissipation. The only heat dissipation implemented by the centrifuge device 100 is linked to cooling the bearing by means of the conduit B. This cooling becomes useful especially for long process cycles.

High rotation speeds: since there is no temperature increase during the process, it is possible to increase the rotation speed and consequently reduce the overall dimensions, i.e. the diameter of the container 10.

Reduced chance of accidental leaks of liquid: the known devices have a high probability of failure linked to malfunction of the rotating seals that are susceptible to axial and radial misalignments. On the contrary, the centrifuge device 100 does not have rotating joints or rotating seals, even with strong misalignments, the sealing is always guaranteed.

Process sterility: process sterility is always guaranteed in the centrifuge device 100. In the known devices, in the event of small and rapid losses of sealing of the rotating gaskets, non-sterile air entry occurs. These known devices must therefore be equipped with systems for checking the state of the seals (often very complex to use and develop) to prevent the solution from being contaminated.

It in any case is intended for that described above to be given by way of non-limiting example; therefore possible detail variants that may be required for technical and/or functional reasons are considered from now as to fall within the same protective scope defined by the claims reported below.

Claims

1) Centrifuge device (100) for separating a liquid solution (S) into its fluid components (Cl, C2) having different weight/density comprising a non-rotating transfer conduit (20) and a container (10) adapted to contain the solution (S) for subjecting it to centrifugation, said container (10) being configured to rotate at high speed, characterised in that the centrifuge device (100) further comprises a housing (40) which is fixed, i.e. non-rotating, delimited at the top by a perforated upper portion (43) to receive the transfer conduit (20) and is delimited at the bottom by a lower portion (44) configured to define the seat in which a bearing (47) is inserted for the rotation of the container (10), within said housing (40) a connection element (30) moves, preferably translates, interposed between the transfer conduit (20) and said container (10) and configured to connect/disconnect said transfer conduit (20) and said container (10) to enable/prevent the passage of the solution (S) and/or the fluid components (Cl, C2).

2) Centrifuge device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the connection element (30) is internally hollow to enable the passage of fluid and is movable between a connection position (C) wherein it hydraulically connects the transfer conduit (20) and the container (10) enabling the passage of fluid from and to the container (10) and a disconnection position (D) wherein it interrupts the hydraulic communication from the transfer conduit (20) to the container (10) preventing the passage of fluid from and to the container (10).

3) Centrifuge device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the connection element (30) is configured to remain connected to said transfer conduit (20) at all times, and to perform the connection/disconnection from the container (10).

4) Centrifuge device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the connection element (30) assumes the connection position (C) when the container (10) is not rotating and assumes the disconnection position (D) when the container (10) is rotating.

5) Centrifuge device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the container (10) comprises a valve (11) placed at the inlet to the container (10), preferably made of a deformable material, adapted to enable the engagement of the connection element (30) to put the container (10) in communication with the transfer conduit (20) and preferably adapted to close the container (10) when the connection element (30) is not engaged.

6) Centrifuge device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the connection element (30) comprises an internally hollow body (31) comprising a first end portion (34) configured to preferably slide within the transfer conduit (20) to move from the connection position (C) to the disconnection position (D) and vice versa, and a second end portion (35) configured to engage/disengage with the container (10).

7) Centrifuge device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the body (31) comprises on the outside a radial extension (32) contacting an inner side surface (45) of the housing (40) preferably by means of a sealing element (33).

8) Centrifuge device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the radial extension (32) defines within the housing (40) a first chamber (41) facing the transfer conduit (20) and a second chamber (42) facing the container (10).

9) Centrifuge device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the second chamber (42) facing the container (10) is in fluid communication with a conduit (B) adapted to introduce a protective fluid (Fl) in particular sterile air preferably with a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

10) Centrifuge device (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the second chamber (42) facing the container (10) receives the protective fluid (Fl) from the conduit (B) when the connection element (30) assumes the disconnection position (D).

11) Centrifuge device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising actuating means (50) for moving, preferably translating, the connection element (30) within the housing (40). 12) Centrifuge device (100) according to claim 11, wherein the actuating means (50) comprise an injector (A) of operating fluid (F2) preferably connected to a pump for creating a pressure or vacuum acting on said extension (32) to generate a force actuating the displacement of the connection element (30).

13) Centrifuge device (100) according to claim 12, wherein the injector (A) is in communication with the housing (40) in particular with the first chamber (41).