Rotary tablet press including dust extraction system and discharge arrangement and method for cleaning a rotary tablet press - Patents.com
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GEA PROCESS ENG NV
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing rotary tablet presses face challenges in efficient and safe cleaning, particularly during product changes, due to the need for external vacuum cleaners and the risk of contamination and health hazards from highly potent powders, with stagnant water remaining in closed Layflat Tubing leading to contamination of the compression section.
A rotary tablet press equipped with an ejection arrangement connected to a dust extraction system, allowing for the discharge of residual powder directly into the suction device, eliminating the need for external vacuum cleaners and enhancing sealing to prevent contamination, with optional features like a manifold and drain valves for improved cleaning efficiency.
The solution enables efficient and safe cleaning by reducing resource usage and time, minimizing operator exposure, and ensuring complete evacuation of powder and fluid from the compression section, suitable for retrofitting existing presses.
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a rotary tablet press comprising a housing with a compression section, a turret located in the compression section in an operating position, at least one filling device associated with the turret, and a dust extraction system comprising a suction device, piping, and an extraction nozzle having an opening in the compression section, the dust extraction system configured to extract dust from the compression section through the piping of the dust extraction system to the suction device during operation of the rotary tablet press. The present invention further relates to a method of cleaning a rotary tablet press. [Background technology]
[0002] Such rotary tablet presses need to be cleaned periodically, either by a routine cleaning procedure or during troubleshooting at the end of a batch production or when a feeder fails. In particular, during a product change, it is very important that the filling device is completely emptied of unused powder before the cleaning procedure begins.
[0003] It is known to perform the evacuation procedure by connecting an external vacuum cleaner to the filling device to remove residual powder from components of the filling device, i.e., from the powder dispensing device or filling shoe, the powder inlet tube, and possible parts of the feeder. When the external vacuum cleaner is connected to and disconnected from the filling device, these operations must be performed in a sealed manner to avoid or at least reduce the risk of contamination of the facility. In particular, in the case of highly potent powders containing medicinal ingredients, exposure to the powder may pose a health risk to the operator. The sealed connection is typically achieved by means of a layflat tubing (LFT), which remains connected to the filling device after disconnecting the external vacuum cleaner to close the filling device.
[0004] Subsequent cleaning of the rotary tablet press is carried out by supplying a cleaning fluid containing water and / or cleaning agents. In this respect, a closed LFT can be problematic as the LFT forms a dead-end pipe in which stagnant water may remain. By disconnecting the LFT, contaminated fluid is directed into the compression section of the rotary tablet press. A further challenge with the described cleaning procedure is that the external vacuum cleaner also needs to be cleaned in the same way, typically with cleaning fluid and water.
[0005] In the prior art, WO 03 / 020499 shows and describes a rotary tablet press in which a compression unit is removably mounted within a housing, which can be removed from the housing and taken to a dedicated cleaning station, while an already cleaned unit can be replaced with the removed compression unit, without causing delays in production.
[0006] A further example of a rotary tablet press with a dust extraction system is shown and described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0029915, which incorporates a further development of the compression unit of US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0029915, and in which a check valve is present to provide communication to the tablet press environment, allowing air to enter but preventing dust from leaving the compression chamber of the tablet press.
[0007] Another rotary tablet press is shown and described in CN101138889, in which the dust collection system comprises a vacuum cleaner which removes material through a vacuum tube by a vacuum collector attached to the feeder.
[0008] Improving the cleaning conditions of such rotary tablet presses is generally desirable, particularly in terms of resource usage such as water and time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0009] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 03 / 020499 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0029915 [Patent Document 3] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 101138889 Summary of the Invention
[0010] The object of the present invention is to address the above-mentioned drawbacks, and in particular to provide a rotary tablet press that can be easily cleaned.
[0011] In a first aspect, this and further objects are achieved by a rotary tablet press of the kind mentioned in the introduction, further characterized in that it comprises an ejection arrangement configured to be able to eject residual powder from the filling device, and that the ejection arrangement is connected or connectable to a dust extraction system of the rotary tablet press.
[0012] By providing a discharge arrangement and combining it with the dust extraction system of the rotary tablet press, the need for an external vacuum cleaner to have to be connected, disconnected and then cleaned is eliminated.
[0013] The term "emptying arrangement" should be construed to encompass one or more arrangements of varying complexity configured to substantially empty a designated space therein.
[0014] The dust extraction system is to prevent powder buildup in the compression section during operation in the event that any such buildup is present in the rotary tablet press, and the additional resources required are limited to the cost of providing the discharge arrangement and establishing a connection to the dust extraction system.
[0015] The discharge arrangement can be provided either installed in the rotary tablet press or as a separate entity that is connected to the dust extraction system at any appropriate time, typically when it is desired to perform a discharge procedure, thereby achieving optimal flexibility in terms of its applicability. Such a discharge procedure is relevant, for example, when a test run is completed, or when a fault or blockage occurs, or in the case of a product changeover, or when cleaning is desired or prescribed as part of a cleaning plan. In particular, providing the discharge arrangement as a separate entity can facilitate retrofitting to existing rotary tablet presses. This creates the opportunity to provide a rotary tablet press in a standard version that can be updated at a later time.
[0016] In one embodiment, the discharge arrangement comprises a powder discharge pipe that is connected or connectable to the filling device and that is configured to bring the filling device into connection with a suction device of the dust extraction system. This embodiment also provides increased flexibility in the configuration of the discharge arrangement, as the powder discharge pipe of the discharge arrangement may either be permanently connected to the filling device or, as mentioned above, form part of a separate entity.
[0017] In one currently preferred development of the above embodiment, the piping of the dust extraction system comprises a dust extraction pipe connecting the extraction nozzle with the suction device of the dust extraction system, and the powder discharge pipe of the discharge arrangement is connected to the dust extraction pipe, thereby providing a structurally simple arrangement requiring only two pipe connections between the discharge arrangement and the dust extraction system, respectively.
[0018] The dust extraction pipes of the dust extraction system may be connected to the powder discharge pipes by a manifold, and the piping of the dust extraction system may comprise a suction pipe connecting the manifold with a suction device of the dust extraction system. The use of a manifold is a simple way of connecting the pipes.
[0019] In a further development, the powder discharge pipes of the discharge arrangement are connected to a manifold, which further simplifies the connections between the pipes and contributes to the overall flexibility of the rotary tablet press design, since pipes can be removed and replaced independently of the other pipes.
[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the powder discharge pipe is configured to bring the filling device into direct connection with a suction device of the dust extraction system. While this embodiment provides simplified piping, it also requires an additional connection to the suction device of the dust extraction system.
[0021] It may be desirable to provide selective communication between the extraction nozzle of the dust extraction system and the suction device on the one hand, and between the filling device and the suction device on the other hand. In a currently preferred embodiment, the discharge arrangement is selectively connectable to and disconnectable from the dust extraction system by at least one valve configured to assume a plurality of operating positions, including a closed position and an open position. In this way, it is possible to obtain open communication between the extraction nozzle and the filling device during operation of the rotary tablet press, and conversely, it is possible to realize a single open communication path between the filling device and the suction device during the discharge procedure. Such valve(s) may be manually or automatically operated.
[0022] In an advantageous development of the preferred embodiment, the first valve comprises a shut-off valve associated with the filling device and configured to assume a closed position during operation of the rotary tablet press and an open position during the ejection procedure, establishing a connection between the filling device and the powder discharge pipe in the open position of the shut-off valve. The use of the shut-off valve provides reliable and stable open and closed positions.
[0023] Additionally or alternatively, a second valve is associated with the dust extraction pipe leading from the extraction nozzle and is configured to assume an open position during operation of the rotary tablet press and a closed position during the discharge procedure of the filling device. In principle, the connection between the extraction nozzle and the suction device could remain open during the discharge procedure, but it is believed that closing the dust extraction pipe can improve the performance of the discharge arrangement.
[0024] In a further embodiment, the discharge arrangement is adapted to be connected to a cleaning system, preferably by means of a cleaning pipe. In this way, a complete cleaning procedure can be carried out. In the context of the present application, the term "cleaning" should be interpreted as including the discharge and de-dusting of the components of the rotary tablet press, in particular in its compression section, with a cleaning liquid comprising water and / or detergents, etc.
[0025] The presence of a cleaning system is particularly advantageous in embodiments including a manifold, which in this instance is connected, preferably via a drain valve, to a drain pipe that leads to a drain disposal system, which may form part of a factory drain installation, for example.
[0026] In a presently preferred embodiment, the rotary tablet press includes an enclosure that encloses the turret in its operating position within the compression section of the rotary tablet press, the enclosure including a bottom wall, a top wall substantially parallel to the bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls extending between the bottom and top walls. The enclosure improves sealing within the compression section of the rotary tablet press, thus further reducing the risk of operator exposure.
[0027] The bottom wall of the enclosure may be provided with multiple hopper shapes, preferably with a rear hopper shape and a front hopper shape in the bottom wall of the enclosure, or with two inclined inner portions, which allows remaining dust and / or contaminated fluids such as water or cleaning liquid to flow into a designated collection area, further improving cleaning performance.
[0028] The dust extraction pipe and / or the powder discharge pipe may be equipped with a drain valve, which facilitates draining the compression section of the rotary tablet press.
[0029] It is particularly advantageous if the powder discharge pipe of the discharge arrangement is connected to the manifold at a level above the connection of the dust extraction pipe to the manifold, since this configuration improves the possibility of completely draining and cleaning the compression section.
[0030] The drain valve(s) may form part of a further aspect in which a rotary tablet press is provided comprising: a housing comprising a compression section; a turret located within the compression section in an operative position; a dust extraction system comprising a discharge arrangement comprising a dust extraction pipe and optionally a powder discharge pipe; and an enclosure enclosing the turret within the compression section of the rotary tablet press in its operative position, the enclosure comprising a bottom wall, a top wall and a plurality of side walls extending between the bottom and top walls. In this aspect, the dust extraction pipe and / or the powder discharge pipe are provided with drain valves.
[0031] In a further development of this aspect, the bottom wall of the enclosure is provided as a plurality of hopper shapes, preferably with a rear hopper shape and a front hopper shape within the bottom wall of the enclosure, or with two inclined inner portions.
[0032] While the above further aspects are independently applicable to rotary tablet presses in which there is no connection between the dust extraction system and the discharge arrangement, the above further aspects are equally applicable to embodiments of the present invention.
[0033] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of cleaning a rotary tablet press, the method comprising: connecting the discharge arrangement to a dust extraction system of the rotary tablet press; and performing an evacuation procedure to evacuate the remaining powder from the filling device by sucking the remaining powder with a suction device of the dust extraction system.
[0034] In an exemplary further development of the method, the step of connecting the discharge arrangement to the dust extraction system comprises opening a first valve including a shut-off valve associated with the filling device and establishing a connection between the filling device and the powder discharge pipe.
[0035] If there is a second valve associated with the dust extraction pipe leading from the extraction nozzle, this second valve may be brought into a closed position before starting the evacuation procedure. Such a valve may include, for example, a shut-off valve.
[0036] Finally, the method may include the additional step of supplying a cleaning fluid to the filling device after the draining procedure.
[0037] Presently preferred embodiments and further advantages will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings that follow. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the above aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with one or more of the other aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0038] In the following description, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0039] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary tablet press according to one embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front side of the rotary tablet press. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rotary tablet press of FIG. 1, taken from the front and enlarged, with some parts removed for ease of reading. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 2, seen from the rear side of the rotary tablet press. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rotary tablet press of the present invention in detail. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rotary tablet press of the present invention in detail, taken from a different angle than FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a generalized configuration of an embodiment of a rotary tablet press. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a generalized configuration of an embodiment of a rotary tablet press. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a generalized configuration of an embodiment of a rotary tablet press. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] The present invention will now be described in more detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein above. Rather, these embodiments are provided for the purposes of thoroughness and completeness.
[0041] Referring first to FIG. 1, which shows a rotary tablet press, generally designated 1, from the front side of the rotary tablet press 1. The rotary tablet press 1 has a housing 2 including a frame 3 and an outer lining 4. The housing 2 is made up of three sections, which are arranged on top of each other and separated by partition walls. The lower section, referred to as the drive section 5, is separated from the middle section, referred to as the compression section 6, by the bottom frame 7 of the rotary tablet press 1, and the compression section 6 is separated from the upper section, referred to as the attachment section 8, by the top frame 9 of the rotary tablet press 1. The wall element 2a is openable, as suggested by the position shown in FIG. 1; during operation, the wall element 2a closes the compression section 6. FIG. 1 also shows a display 2b. Additional parts may be present but are not shown, including a cap to prevent excessive contamination of the mechanical parts within the compression section 6.
[0042] In a manner known per se, the housing 2 houses a turret 10, parts of which are shown in more detail in Figures 2 to 7. During operation of the tablet press, the turret 10 is located in the compression section 6 of the housing 2 in its operating position, but can also be removed from the compression section 6 to allow cleaning, part replacement, etc. The turret 10 comprises several rotating parts, of which only the die disk 40 is shown. The die disk 40 is substantially plate-shaped with die surfaces and has several bores, which typically house a corresponding number of dies for forming tablets of the desired shape and size. Alternatively, the bores themselves are adapted to the desired tablet shape and size. Further parts include upper and lower punch guides with guide bores, in which the upper and lower punches are reciprocally housed. The first end of each punch can enter a corresponding die, or the bore itself if no die is present, by displacement of the associated punch within its guide bore, to compress the material in the die or bore.
[0043] Further details shown in Figure 1 include a tablet chute 11 that projects at an angle from turret 10 to direct the compressed material in tablet form out of the die bore. Tablet chute 11 is one of several attachment elements associated with turret 10.
[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the turret 10 is housed within an enclosure 70 that is configured to be removed from the compression section 6 together with the turret 10 and any accessories connected to it when cleaning and / or replacement is scheduled. Alternatively, the enclosure 70 remains in the compression section 6, and only the turret 10 is removed. It should be noted that the principles underlying the present invention are also applicable to rotary tablet presses in which such an enclosure is not present. Referring also to Figures 2-7 below, the enclosure 70 includes a bottom wall 71 and a top wall 72 that is substantially parallel to the bottom wall 71. In the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure includes two substantially planar side walls 73, 74 that extend between the bottom wall 71 and the top wall 72 and are disposed opposite each other. Two separate sets of openable end covers 77, 78 are provided.
[0045] Further details not shown may include scrapers, ejection fingers, reciprocating fingers and further cams adapted to scrape off excess powder and thereby ensure that only the desired amount of powder is present in the die disc. Other elements may be present within the rotary tablet press 1 and means may be provided for controlling the tablet press according to desired settings as well. Ancillary elements of the rotary tablet press 1, including the enclosure 70, are carried by a support assembly which includes a suspension device 60 (see Figure 4).
[0046] A filling device 12 associated with the turret 10 is indicated. In the embodiment shown, the filling device 12 is arranged above the die disc 40 of the turret 10, but in other embodiments there may be more than one filling device, as well as more than the one turret 10 shown. The filling device 12 comprises a powder distribution device 14 connected to a feeder 15 and a powder inlet tube 13, also called a filling shoe. The powder inlet tube 13 is in turn connected to a powder supply, not shown. The filling device 12 ensures that the dies or bores in the die disc 40 are supplied with powder or granules during operation of the rotary tablet press 1. In the embodiment shown, the turret 10 is housed in an enclosure 10, the top wall 72 of which comprises an opening 72.2 for the powder inlet tube 13 (see FIG. 6). Similarly, further openings may be provided in the enclosure 70, but are not shown in detail. An example of a prior art enclosure is the above-mentioned WO 03 / 020499, which led to Courtoy in EP 1 423 260 and the MODUL™ commercially available tablet press which utilises the ECM (Exchangeable Compression Module) concept. Other examples can be found in the applicant's co-pending international application PCT / EP2022 / 059803.
[0047] A dust extraction system, generally designated 16, is provided which comprises a suction device 19 and extraction nozzles 17 having openings in the compression section 6. The dust extraction system 16 is configured to extract dust from the compression section 6 and direct it towards the suction device 19 via piping, indicated by a dust extraction pipe, generally designated 18, of the dust extraction system 16 during operation of the rotary tablet press. The dust extraction system 16 may comprise further extraction nozzles other than the single extraction nozzle 17 shown, and typically such further extraction nozzles will be distributed around the circumference of the die disc 40. The suction device 19 is shown only diagrammatically in the drawings and it is within the ability of a person skilled in the art to devise suitable suction means.
[0048] The dust extraction system 16 may be attached in any suitable manner to a structurally stable part of the rotary tablet press 1. For example, fittings may allow attachment to the housing 2 of the rotary tablet press 1, as suggested but not shown in detail in Figures 2 and 3.
[0049] In the embodiment shown, the turret 10 is housed in an enclosure 70, and the extraction nozzle 17 is also located in the enclosure 70. The piping of the dust extraction system 16 comprises a dust extraction pipe 18 which connects the dust extraction nozzle 17 with a suction device 19 of the dust extraction system, and therefore the dust extraction pipe 18 passes through a bottom wall 71 of the enclosure 70, as will be described further below.
[0050] In order to allow the discharge of the filling device 12 during idle periods of the rotary tablet press 1, either after a final production run, after a test run or when a feeder blockage occurs, as part of a regular cleaning procedure according to a cleaning schedule, the rotary tablet press 1 is provided with a discharge arrangement 80 configured to allow the discharge of remaining powder from the filling device 12.
[0051] According to the invention, the discharge arrangement 80 is connected or connectable to the dust extraction system 16 of the rotary tablet press 1. In the embodiment shown, the discharge arrangement 80 comprises a powder discharge pipe 81 which is connected to the filling device 12 when the rotary tablet press 1 is in its operating position. However, it is also conceivable to form the discharge arrangement 80 as a separate entity which is further connected to the filling device 12 and the dust extraction system 16 in preparation for a cleaning procedure. In such a case, means are typically used which allow a sealed connection. An example is Layflat Tubing (LFT).
[0052] With regard to the connection between the discharge arrangement 80 and the dust extraction system 16, the powder discharge pipe 81 of the discharge arrangement 80 can either be connected to the piping of the dust extraction system 16, here to the dust extraction pipe 18 as shown in Figures 2 to 7, or directly to the suction device 19. In this respect, reference is made to the overviews of Figures 8 and 9, Figure 8 showing an overview corresponding to the embodiment of Figures 2 to 7 and Figure 9 showing an arrangement of a direct connection between the filling device 12 and the suction device 19.
[0053] In the embodiment shown, the dust extraction pipe 18 of the dust extraction system 16 is connected to the powder discharge pipe 81 by a manifold 18.1, and the piping of the dust extraction system 16 comprises a suction pipe 18.2 connecting the manifold 18.1 to the suction device 19 of the dust extraction system.
[0054] To make it possible to establish in a simple manner fluid communication between the dust extraction system 16 and the exhaust system 80, the powder discharge pipe 81 of the exhaust arrangement is connected to a manifold 18.1.
[0055] The above arrangement allows fluid communication between the extraction nozzle 17 and the suction device 19 on the one hand, and between the filling device 12 and the suction device 19 on the other hand. In order to control the powder flow, it may be desirable to close the dust extraction pipe 18 when performing the discharge procedure and to close the powder discharge pipe 81 when the rotary tablet press 1 is in operation. This closure can in principle be complete or partial, so that, for example, only the dust extraction pipe 18 is open between the extraction nozzle 17 and the suction device 19 when the rotary tablet press 1 is in operation, and conversely, fluid communication is possible between the filling device 12 and the suction device 19 via the powder discharge pipe 81 when the rotary tablet press 1 is at a standstill.
[0056] To this end, the remaining powder in the powder discharge pipe 81 of the discharge arrangement 80 can be controlled by at least one valve in the illustrated embodiment. Such valves are each configured to assume a number of operating positions, including a closed position and an open position. A partially closed operating position is also contemplated, as are other positions.
[0057] The first valve comprises a shut-off valve 81.1 which is associated with the filling device 12 and which is configured to assume a closed position during operation of the rotary tablet press 1 and an open position during the ejection procedure, in which in the open position of the shut-off valve 81.1 a connection is established between the filling device 12 and the powder discharge pipe 81.
[0058] Returning briefly to the overview of Figures 8-10, it should be emphasized that the fairly basic embodiment shown in Figure 9 provides efficient evacuation with a small number of components. As shown, here the evacuation arrangement 80 comprises only a powder discharge pipe 81 and a shut-off valve 81.1, so that when connecting the evacuation arrangement 80 to the filling device 12 on the one hand and the suction device 19 of the dust extraction system 16 on the other hand, communication between the filling device 12 and the dust extraction system 16 via the evacuation arrangement 80 can be established only by opening the shut-off valve 81.1. The evacuation arrangement 80 can remain in place during operation, during which time the shut-off valve 81.1 should be closed.
[0059] The function of the drain arrangement 80 depicted in Figures 8 and 10 corresponds substantially to the basic embodiment of Figure 9, with the dust extraction system 16 comprising a manifold 18.1 and the drain arrangement 80 comprising an additional valve, namely a drain valve 81.2, which allows the draining of any fluid present in or added to the rotary tablet press 1.
[0060] In the dust extraction system 16 of the embodiments of Figures 8 and 10, a second valve 18.3 is associated with the dust extraction pipe 18 leading from the extraction nozzle 17 and is configured to be in an open position during operation of the rotary tablet press and to be in a closed position during the discharge procedure of the filling device 12. Corresponding to the drain valve 81.2 of the discharge arrangement 80, the dust extraction system 16 in these embodiments includes a drain valve 18.4.
[0061] The discharge arrangement 80 may be provided within the rotary tablet press 1 or may be provided as an additional feature, for example for retrofitting.
[0062] The connections between the individual pipes and the valves may be made in any suitable manner, typically by sealed connections that provide an appropriate degree of sealing. Suitable forms include quick couplings such as bayonet couplings integrated into the LFT or valve body.
[0063] By the term "contained connection" it is understood herein that the connection meets certain requirements for sealing, i.e. that the connection is at least dust-tight. Correspondingly, the contained connection may be a connection configured to prevent a wide range of, for example a detectable amount and / or an amount above a certain threshold, of the input composition processed by the rotary tablet press from being discharged through the contained connection into the surrounding environment, for example into the room in which it is located or into an enclosure surrounding at least part of the turret. By "contained connection" it is understood herein that the connection meets certain requirements for sealing, i.e. that the connection is at least dust-tight. Correspondingly, the contained connection may be a connection configured to prevent a wide range of, for example a detectable amount and / or an amount above a certain threshold, of the input composition processed by the rotary tablet press from being discharged through the contained connection into the surrounding environment, for example into the room in which it is located or into an enclosure surrounding at least part of the turret. 3 It should be understood that the seal has the ability to be dust-tight up to 1000 psi.
[0064] By means of the above arrangement, the dust extraction system 16 can be operable to extract dust from the extraction nozzle 17 by means of the suction device 19 during operation of the rotary tablet press 1, in the same way while the filling device 12 is being emptied of any remaining powder. Selective opening and closing of the valves 81.1 and 18.3 allows for optimisation of the extraction and evacuation performance.
[0065] A method for cleaning a rotary tablet press, such as rotary tablet press 1 described above, typically comprises: connecting the discharge arrangement 80 to the dust extraction system 16 of the rotary tablet press 1; and performing an evacuation procedure to evacuate the remaining powder from the filling device 12 by sucking it out with the suction device 19 of the dust extraction system 16.
[0066] The step of connecting the discharge arrangement 80 to the dust extraction system 16 includes opening a first valve, including a shut-off valve 81.1 associated with the filling device 12, and establishing a connection between the filling device 12 and the powder discharge pipe 81.
[0067] If a second valve is provided, for example a valve 81.3 associated with the dust extraction pipe 18 leading from the extraction nozzle 17, this valve 81.3 is brought into the closed position before starting the evacuation procedure.
[0068] In a further embodiment of the rotary tablet press, the discharge arrangement 80 is configured to be connected to a cleaning system. An exemplary configuration of such a further embodiment is shown in Figure 10, in which a cleaning system 90 is connected to the discharge arrangement 80 by a cleaning pipe 91 which leads to the filling device 12.
[0069] As shown in Figure 10, a further embodiment has a setup corresponding to that of Figure 8, where the manifold 18.1 is connected, here via a drain valve 94, to a drain pipe 92 which leads to a drain disposal system 93.
[0070] The above method for cleaning a rotary tablet press 1 may then comprise the additional step of supplying a cleaning fluid to the filling device following the draining procedure. The cleaning fluid is typically water, but may also comprise a cleaning liquid containing a cleaning agent.
[0071] In a further aspect, there is provided a rotary tablet press comprising: a housing having a compression section; a turret disposed within the compression section in an operative position; a dust extraction system comprising a dust extraction pipe and optionally a discharge arrangement comprising a powder discharge pipe; and an enclosure enclosing the turret within the compression section of the rotary tablet press in its operative position, the enclosure comprising a bottom wall, a top wall, and a plurality of side walls extending between the bottom and top walls. In this aspect, the dust extraction pipe and / or the powder discharge pipe are provided with drain valves.
[0072] In a further development of this aspect, the bottom wall of the enclosure is provided with a plurality of hopper shapes, preferably with a rear hopper shape and a front hopper shape in the bottom wall of the enclosure, or with two inclined inner portions.
[0073] While the above further aspects are independently applicable to rotary tablet presses, where there is no connection between the dust extraction system and the discharge arrangement, the further aspects are likewise applicable to embodiments of the present invention.
[0074] Therefore, as shown in Figures 2 to 7 and 8 and 10, the dust extraction pipe 18 and the powder discharge pipe 81 are both provided with drain valves 18.4, 81.2.
[0075] In particular, in embodiments comprising a manifold 18.1 and a cleaning system 90, it is advantageous for the powder discharge pipe 81 of the discharge arrangement 80 to be connected to the manifold 18.1 at a level above the connection of the dust extraction pipe 18 to the manifold 18.1.
[0076] The improved drainage conditions for dust and / or cleaning fluid remaining within the enclosure 70 are obtained by a feature most clearly shown in the cross-sectional views of Figures 6 and 7, namely, that the bottom wall 71 of the enclosure 70 is provided with two inclined inner portions 71a, 71b. [Explanation of symbols]
[0077] 1. Rotary tablet press machine 2. Housing 2a wall element 2b Display 3 frames 4 outer lining 5 Drive Section 6 Compression Section 7 Bottom Frame 8. Ancillary Section 9 Upper Frame 10 Turrets 11 Tablet Shoot 12 Filling Device 13 Powder inlet tube 14 Powder dispensing device / fill shoe 15 Feeder 16 Dust Extraction System 17 Extraction nozzle 18 Piping / Dust Extraction Pipe 18.1 Manifold 18.2 Suction pipe 18.3 Secondary valve (at the extraction nozzle) 18.4 Drain valves 19 Suction Devices 40 Didisc 60 Hanging Device 70 Enclosure 71 Bottom wall 71a: First inclined inner portion of bottom wall 71b second inclined inner portion of bottom wall 72 Upper Wall 72.2 Opening for powder inlet tube 73 First Side Wall 74 Second Side Wall 77 End cover 78 End cover 80 Emission structure 81 Powder discharge pipe 81.1 Primary / Shut-Off Valves on Filling Devices 81.2 Drain valve 90 Cleaning System 91 Cleaning Pipe 92 Drain pipe 93 Drain Disposal System 94 Drain valve
Claims
1. A rotary tablet press machine (1), wherein the rotary tablet press machine is A housing (2) having a compression section (6), In the operating position, the turret (10) is located within the compression section, The turret (10) is associated with at least one filling device (12), A rotary tablet press comprising a dust extraction system (16) comprising a suction device (19), piping (18), and an extraction nozzle (17) having an opening in the compression section (6), wherein the dust extraction system (16) is configured to extract dust from the compression section (6) to the suction device (19) via the piping (18) of the dust extraction system (16) during the operation of the rotary tablet press, The rotary tablet press machine is equipped with a discharge component (80) configured to discharge residual powder from the filling device (12), A rotary tablet press, characterized in that the discharge component (80) is connected to or can be connected to the dust extraction system (16) of the rotary tablet press (1).
2. The rotary tablet press according to claim 1, wherein the discharge component (80) comprises a powder discharge pipe (81), the powder discharge pipe (81) is connected to or connectable to the filling device (12), and is configured to bring the filling device (12) to the connection with the suction device (19) of the dust extraction system (16).
3. The rotary tablet press according to claim 2, wherein the piping of the dust extraction system (16) includes a dust extraction pipe (18) that connects the extraction nozzle (17) to the suction device (19) of the dust extraction system (16), and the powder discharge pipe (81) of the discharge component (80) is connected to the dust extraction pipe (18).
4. The rotary tablet press machine according to claim 3, wherein the dust extraction pipe (18) of the dust extraction system (16) is connected to the powder discharge pipe (81) by a manifold (18.1), and the piping of the dust extraction system includes a suction pipe (18.2) that connects the manifold (18.1) to the suction device (19) of the dust extraction system.
5. The rotary tablet press according to claim 4, wherein the powder discharge pipe (81) of the discharge component (80) is connected to the manifold (18.1).
6. The rotary tablet press according to claim 2, wherein the powder discharge pipe (81) of the discharge component (80) is configured to bring the filling device (12) to a direct connection with the suction device (19) of the dust extraction system (16).
7. The rotary tablet press machine according to claim 1, wherein the discharge component (80) is selectively connectable to and disconnectable from the dust extraction system (16) by at least one valve (81.1, 81.2, 18.3, 18.4) configured to take on a plurality of operating positions including a closed position and an open position.
8. The discharge component (80) is selectively connectable to and disconnectable from the dust extraction system (16) by at least one valve (81.1, 81.2, 18.3, 18.4) configured to take on a plurality of operating positions including a closed position and an open position, The rotary tablet press according to claim 3, wherein the first valve is a shut-off valve (81.1), the shut-off valve (81.1) is associated with the filling device (12), and is configured to be in a closed position during operation of the rotary tablet press (1) and in an open position during the discharge procedure, and a connection is established between the filling device (12) and the powder discharge pipe (81) in the open position of the shut-off valve (81.1).
9. The rotary tablet press according to claim 8, wherein the second valve (18.3), preferably a shut-off valve, is associated with the dust extraction pipe (18) connected to the extraction nozzle (17), and is configured to be in an open position during the operation of the rotary tablet press (1) and in a closed position during the discharge procedure of the filling device (12).
10. The rotary tablet press machine according to claim 1, wherein the discharge component (80) is preferably connected to a cleaning system (90) by a cleaning pipe (91).
11. The discharge component (80) is preferably configured to be connected to the cleaning system (90) by a cleaning pipe (91), and The rotary tablet press machine according to claim 5, wherein the manifold (18.1) is preferably connected via a drain valve (94) to a drain pipe (92) that leads to a drain disposal system (93).
12. The rotary tablet press according to claim 11, wherein the dust extraction pipe (18) and / or the powder discharge pipe (81) are equipped with drain valves (18.4, 81.2).
13. The rotary tablet press according to claim 11, wherein the powder discharge pipe (81) of the discharge component (80) is connected to the manifold (18.1) at a level above the connection of the dust extraction pipe (18) to the manifold (18.1).
14. The rotary tablet press machine (1) is provided with an enclosure (70) that surrounds the turret (10) within the compression section (6) of the rotary tablet press machine in its operating position, wherein the enclosure (70) comprises a bottom wall (71), a top wall (72) substantially parallel to the bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls (73, 74) extending between the bottom wall and the top wall, as described in claim 1.
15. The rotary tablet press machine according to claim 14, wherein the bottom wall (71) of the enclosure is provided as a plurality of hopper shapes, preferably having a rear hopper shape and a front hopper shape within the bottom wall of the enclosure, or having two inclined inner portions (71a, 71b).
16. A method for cleaning a rotary tablet press machine according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the method is: The steps include connecting the discharge component (80) to the dust extraction system (16) of the rotary tablet press machine (1), A method comprising the step of performing a discharge procedure to discharge the remaining powder from the filling device (12) by sucking up the remaining powder with the suction device (19) of the dust extraction system (16).
17. A method for cleaning a rotary tablet press machine according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the method is: The steps include connecting the discharge component (80) to the dust extraction system (16) of the rotary tablet press machine (1), The procedure includes the step of performing a discharge procedure in which the remaining powder is discharged from the filling device (12) by sucking up the remaining powder with the suction device (19) of the dust extraction system (16), and The step of connecting the discharge component (80) to the dust extraction system (16) includes opening the first valve, which includes a shut-off valve (81.1) associated with the filling device (12), thereby establishing a connection between the filling device (12) and the powder discharge pipe (81) of the discharge component (80).
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein a second valve (18.3) associated with the dust extraction pipe (18) connected to the extraction nozzle (17) of the dust extraction system (16) is brought to the closed position before the discharge procedure is initiated.
19. A method for cleaning a rotary tablet press machine according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the method is: The steps include connecting the discharge component (80) to the dust extraction system (16) of the rotary tablet press machine (1), The procedure includes the step of performing a discharge procedure in which the remaining powder is discharged from the filling device (12) by sucking up the remaining powder with the suction device (19) of the dust extraction system (16), and The method further includes an additional step of supplying a cleaning fluid to the filling device (12) after the discharge procedure.