Modular fluid handling assembly and modular fluid handling units with double containment

Abstract

A modular fluid handling assembly includes a plurality of fluid handling units. Each fluid handling unit includes a fluid passage and associated port, a vacuum passage and associated port, a vacuum pressure source, and a containment seal. The fluid passage ports and vacuum passage ports of adjacent fluid handling units respectively communicate. The containment seal is disposed between adjacent fluid handling units and surrounds the communicating fluid passage ports and vacuum passage ports. The vacuum pressure source is in continuous communication with the vacuum passages of the fluid handling units, generates an urging force which aids in sealing adjacent fluid handling units together, and draws off any fluid that may leak from a fluid passage port. A sensor can be tapped into the vacuum line to sense whether any fluid has leaked from a fluid passage port.