def replace_sideFlow(side, currentMods):
    """
    Helper function for erasing current sideFlow Modular units

    Parameters
    -------------
    side = str, should be "side1" or "side2"

    currentMods = dictionary, Current Modular Units of bioprocess

    Returns
    -------------
    currentMods
    """
    # initialize or reset values for sideFlows
    if side == 'side1':
        currentMods['side1'] = {'name': ''}
        currentMods['sub1'] = {'name': ''}
        currentMods['proc1'] = {'name': ''}
        currentMods['prod1'] = {'name': ''}
        currentMods['boost1'] = {'name': ''}
    elif side == 'side2':
        currentMods['side2'] = {'name': ''}
        currentMods['sub2'] = {'name': ''}
        currentMods['proc2'] = {'name': ''}
        currentMods['prod2'] = {'name': ''}
        currentMods['boost2'] = {'name': ''}
    return currentMods