A test system and test method for a sterile gas-liquid dispenser

Abstract

The invention discloses a testing system and a testing method for an aseptic gas-liquid distributor, and relates to the technical field of sealing detection. The testing system also includes a power part, a high-temperature fluid generating device and a material constant-pressure supply system. A rotary drive structure is provided in the power part, and the rotary drive structure drives the rotating part of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor to be tested to move. The high-temperature fluid generating device is connected to the liquid inlet of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor to be tested and provides a sealing medium within a set temperature range. The material constant-pressure supply system is connected to the aseptic gas-liquid distributor to be tested and provides constant-pressure material. The invention comprehensively detects the sealing effectiveness and sealing life of the distributor by simulating the motion state, pressure, temperature and other process conditions of the gas-liquid distributor during the filling process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of sealing detection, in particular to a testing system and a testing method for a sterile gas-liquid distributor. Background Art

[0002] In the fluid filling equipment of the beverage and pharmaceutical industries, the gas-liquid distributor distributes the fluid in the fixed pipeline to the rotating filling equipment, so there is generally a rotating component that rotates around the fixed part. In the integrated mode, the distributor is designed with multiple independent channels to distribute multiple different media. Sealing elements are used as isolation between each channel and between the rotating and fixed components to ensure the closure and independence of each channel. Therefore, the state of the sealing element and the sealing surface directly affects the sealing effect of the channel, that is, there is a possibility of leakage. As the main component, the sealing effectiveness and life of the gas-liquid distributor directly reflect the quality of the equipment, affecting the use effect and maintenance cost. This problem has more serious quality consequences in the aseptic filling fields of beverages, pharmaceuticals, etc., and will directly cause safety problems of beverages or drugs.

[0003] The existing technical means is to perform a sealing and pressure-maintaining test on the entire pipeline system including the gas-liquid distributor after the distributor is assembled to the filling machine. The channel is filled with compressed air to a specified pressure, and the pressure P1 in the initial state and the pressure P2 after the rated time of pressure maintenance are recorded by observing the pressure gauge of the connecting channel. After analyzing P1 and P2, it is determined whether the initial sealing of the pipeline system is qualified.

[0004] If the initial sealing of the entire system is unqualified, the leak points can be gradually found, but on the one hand, the leak detection work is difficult to be systematic and inefficient. On the other hand, the pressure test of the entire pipeline system can only check the initial sealing, and cannot understand the life of the sealing components, which is not convenient for beverage and drug production quality control and equipment maintenance planning. There is a need for an effective testing method for gas-liquid distributors that can test the initial sealing and the life of the sealing components under different sealing materials, so as to facilitate the formulation of maintenance plans and avoid quality risks in production. To this end, we provide a testing system and testing method for aseptic gas-liquid distributors. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a testing system and a testing method for a sterile gas-liquid dispenser.

[0006] The technical problem solved by the present invention is that the testing system in the prior art can only detect the initial sealing of the entire filling system, it is difficult to find the leakage point and it is impossible to test the service life of the sealing element in the working environment.

[0007] The present invention can be implemented by the following technical scheme: a test system for a sterile gas-liquid distributor, comprising a sterile gas-liquid distributor to be tested, wherein the sterile gas-liquid distributor to be tested is divided into a rotating part and a non-rotating part, and the test system also comprises a power part, a high-temperature fluid generating device and a material constant pressure supply system, wherein a rotating driving structure is provided in the power part and drives the rotating part of the sterile gas-liquid distributor to be tested to move through the rotating driving structure;

[0008] The high temperature fluid generating device is connected to the liquid inlet of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor to be tested and provides it with a sealing medium within a set temperature range. The material constant pressure supply system is connected to the aseptic gas-liquid distributor to be tested and provides it with constant pressure material.

[0009] A further improvement of the present invention is that a feed pipeline and a return pipeline are arranged between the material constant pressure supply system and the aseptic gas-liquid distributor to be tested, and pressure sensors and flow sensors are arranged on both pipelines.

[0010] A further improvement of the present invention is that it also includes a control system for starting and stopping the motor, monitoring and recording the data of each sensor, and controlling the action of each valve.

[0011] A further improvement of the present invention is that the aseptic gas-liquid distributor to be tested is divided into a rotating part and a non-rotating part which are connected by a rotating seal, specifically a sealing ring combined with a liquid seal structure.

[0012] A further improvement of the present invention is that the sealing medium provided by the high-temperature fluid generating device is condensed water, sterile water or steam.

[0013] A further improvement of the present invention is that the high-temperature fluid generating device is specifically a cooling water preparation system or a boiler.

[0014] The specific steps of the test method using the test system of the aseptic gas-liquid dispenser include:

[0015] Step 1: supplying material with constant pressure into the aseptic gas-liquid distributor to be tested through the material constant pressure supply system;

[0016] Step 2: supply a sealing medium matching the set temperature range to the liquid inlet of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor to be tested through a high-temperature fluid generating device;

[0017] Step 3: Start the rotary drive structure in the power part to drive the rotating part of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor to be tested to rotate, and keep the power constant during this process;

[0018] Step 4: Monitor the initial flow rate change through the flow sensors on the feed pipeline and the return pipeline, and determine whether the initial sealing of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor to be tested is qualified; keep the test system running continuously for a long time and monitor the flow rate change to determine the life of the sealing element of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor to be tested.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] The present invention comprehensively detects the sealing effectiveness and sealing life of the distributor by simulating the motion state, pressure, temperature and other process conditions of the gas-liquid distributor during the filling process;

[0021] (1) Using a transmission mechanism, the controllable driving rotating part is continuously operated to realize the motion simulation of the gas-liquid distributor under normal operation; Using a transmission mechanism, the controllable driving rotating part is continuously operated to realize the motion simulation of the gas-liquid distributor under normal operation;

[0022] (2) Construct a high-temperature fluid generation and control device to test the high-temperature environment of the sealing element under normal operation with high-temperature steam or high-temperature water, making the test closer to actual application;

[0023] (3) Establish a closed loop for automatic pressure and flow detection, record the leakage flow within the pressure range in real time, and quantify the sealing effectiveness;

[0024] (4) The entire system can measure the service life of sealing components by recording data such as working hours and flow rate in a simulated environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, the present invention is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structural principle of the present invention.

[0027] In the figure: 1. Aseptic gas-liquid distributor to be tested; 11. Return port plugging plate; 12. Feed port plugging plate; 2. Power part; 21. Workbench; 22. Safety water tray; 23. Large gear; 24. Reducer motor; 25. Small gear; 3. Feed pipeline; 31. Feed pipeline pressure sensor; 32. Feed pipeline flow sensor; 4. Return pipeline; 41. Return pipeline pressure sensor; 42. Return pipeline flow sensor; 5. Condensate preparation system; 51. Steam generator; 52. Steam filter; 53. Condensate barrel; 531. Automatic regulating valve; 54. Condensate pipeline; 55. Temperature sensor; 6. Constant pressure system; 61. Material tank; 62. First pneumatic valve; 63. Pressure regulating valve; 64. Second pneumatic valve; 65. Liquid level meter; 66. Filter; 7. Control system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In order to further explain the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the predetermined invention purpose, the specific implementation methods, structures, features and effects of the present invention are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0029] See also Figure 1 As shown, a test system for a sterile gas-liquid distributor includes a sterile gas-liquid distributor to be tested 1, a power part 2, a feed pipeline 3, a return pipeline 4, a condensate preparation system 5, a constant pressure system 6 and a control system 7;

[0030] The aseptic gas-liquid distributor 1 to be tested is divided into a rotating part and a non-rotating part, and the sealing between the rotating part and the non-rotating part is realized in the form of a sealing ring and a water seal. A return channel and a feed channel are provided on the aseptic gas-liquid distributor 1 to be tested, and one end of the return channel and the feed channel are respectively blocked with a return port plugging plate 11 and a feed port plugging plate 12, and the two plugging plates are provided with exhaust ports for exhausting gas from the two channels;

[0031] The non-rotating part of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor 1 to be tested is fixedly mounted on the workbench 21 of the power part 2, a reduction motor 24 is mounted at the bottom of the workbench 21, a pinion 25 is fixed to the end of the output shaft of the reduction motor 24, the pinion 25 is transmission-connected to a large gear 23, and the large gear 23 is mounted on the rotating part of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor 1 to be tested; in order to prevent the seal of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor 1 to be tested from failing, a safety water receiving tray 22 is provided directly below the workbench 21 to avoid safety issues caused by leakage of high temperature and other harmful media, and the entire power part 2 is used to simulate the rotational motion state of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor 1 to be tested during use;

[0032] The unblocked end of the feed channel of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor to be tested 1 is connected to the feed pipeline 3, on which a feed pipeline pressure sensor 31 for monitoring the pressure in the feed channel is installed, and a feed pipeline flow sensor 32 for monitoring the flow change in the feed channel is also installed on the feed pipeline 3;

[0033] The unblocked end of the return channel of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor 1 to be tested is connected to the return pipeline 4, on which a return pipeline pressure sensor 41 for monitoring the pressure in the return channel is installed, and a return pipeline flow sensor 42 for monitoring the flow change in the return channel is also installed on the return pipeline 4;

[0034] The water seal inlet of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor 1 to be tested is connected to the condensate pipeline 54 in the condensate preparation system 5. The condensate preparation system 5 includes a steam generator 51. A steam filter 52 for filtering impurities in the steam pipeline is provided on the steam pipeline of the steam generator 51. The steam filter 52 is connected to the condensate pipeline 54. A part of the condensate pipeline 54 is spirally arranged and arranged in the cold water of the condensation barrel 53. The spiral arrangement is to increase the condensation area and improve the condensation efficiency. A temperature sensor 55 for monitoring the condensate temperature is arranged at the outlet of the condensate pipeline 54. The condensate preparation system 5 simulates and verifies the influence of high-temperature water on the seal under the water seal form;

[0035] The cold water inlet of the condensing barrel 53 is connected to the cold water supply pipeline, and an automatic regulating valve 531 for regulating the amount of cold water inlet is provided at the cold water inlet. An overflow valve is installed on the upper barrel wall of the condensing barrel 53 to control the water capacity of the condensing barrel so that the heated water is replaced by the newly added cold water.

[0036] The aseptic gas-liquid distributor 1 to be tested is also connected to a constant pressure system 6 for providing a constant pressure environment therein, the constant pressure system 6 comprises a material tank 61, the liquid outlet below the material tank 61 is connected to the feed pipeline 3 and the return pipeline 4, the top of the material tank 61 is connected to the material pipeline and the compressed air pipeline, a first pneumatic valve 62 for controlling material addition is installed on the material pipeline, a second pneumatic valve 64 for controlling the entry of compressed air and a pressure regulating valve 63 for controlling the entry pressure of compressed air are installed on the compressed air pipeline, a liquid level gauge 65 for controlling the liquid level in the tank is installed on the material tank 61, a filter 66 is provided at the liquid outlet of the material tank 61 for filtering impurities in the material medium, the entire constant pressure system 6 provides a constant pressure environment for the interior of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor 1 to be tested, and at the same time simulates and verifies the influence of materials of different properties on the sealing member;

[0037] The above-mentioned reduction motor 24, feed pipeline pressure sensor 31, feed pipeline flow sensor 32, return pipeline pressure sensor 41, return pipeline flow sensor 42, temperature sensor 54, automatic regulating valve 531, first pneumatic valve 62, second pneumatic valve 64, and liquid level meter 65 are all electrically connected to the control system 7 and are controlled by the signal of the control system 7. The control system 7 is used to start and stop the motor, monitor and record the data of each sensor, and control the action of each valve.

[0038] It should be noted that the rotational motion simulation of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor 1 to be tested is not limited to being realized by a motor-driven gear transmission structure, and other structures capable of achieving rotational motion simulation are also applicable, such as pulleys and the like.

[0039] The water seal in this embodiment uses a condensed water simulation structure but is not limited to this sealing form. Structural simulations of other sealing forms such as steam seals and sterile water seals are all equivalent variations of the present invention.

[0040] The purpose of the condensate preparation system 5 in this embodiment is to obtain hot water at 80-85°C for sealing, but the above purpose can also be achieved by directly using boiler hot water. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific structure of the condensate preparation system 5 to obtain such hot water;

[0041] In this embodiment, the constant pressure system 6 is not limited to the formation method of this constant pressure environment. For example, the above purpose can also be achieved by directly connecting the constant pressure material in the material pipeline.

[0042] Using the above-mentioned test system of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor, the specific steps of judging whether the sealing of the feed channel and the return channel is effective according to the flow changes of the feed pipeline flow sensor 32 and the return pipeline flow sensor 42, and further judging whether the aseptic gas-liquid distributor 1 meets the required quality requirements and life requirements are as follows:

[0043] Step 1: Open the first pneumatic valve 62, and continue to add materials into the material tank 61. During this process, the gas in the material channel needs to be removed and then closed until the liquid level in the material tank 61 reaches the set value of the liquid level meter 65, stop adding materials, and close the first pneumatic valve 62;

[0044] Step 2: After setting the value of the pressure regulating valve 63, open the second pneumatic valve 64 and introduce compressed air for standby pressure. Observe the pressure value P1 of the feed channel and the pressure value P2 of the return channel through the feed pipeline pressure sensor 31 and the return pipeline pressure sensor 41. In this embodiment, both P1 and P2 are controlled at about 0.3MPa.

[0045] Step 3: The automatic regulating valve 531 at the cold water inlet of the condensing barrel 53 is opened and closed after being filled with cold water, and the steam generator 51 is started. The condensing water temperature T is monitored by the temperature sensor 55. According to the temperature range of T, the test system controls the water inlet of the automatic regulating valve 531 until the condensing water temperature T reaches a suitable range. The range of T in this embodiment is set to 80-85°C;

[0046] Step 4: Turn on the reduction motor 24 and run it continuously at the rated speed. Monitor the initial flow changes △P1 and △P2 through the feed pipeline flow sensor 32 and the return pipeline flow sensor 42 to determine whether the initial sealing of the gas-liquid distributor is qualified; monitor the flow changes after long-term continuous operation to determine the life of the sealing components of the gas-liquid distributor.

[0047] It should be noted that in step 1, when the liquid level in the material tank drops due to leakage in the test system, the first pneumatic valve 62 is opened to replenish the liquid to the set value of the liquid level meter 65.

[0048] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment as above, it is not used to limit the present invention. Any technical personnel in this field can make some changes or modify the technical contents disclosed above into equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A testing system for a sterile gas-liquid distributor, comprising a sterile gas-liquid distributor (1) to be tested, wherein the sterile gas-liquid distributor (1) to be tested is divided into a rotating part and a non-rotating part, and is characterized in that: The test system further comprises a power part (2), a high temperature fluid generating device and a material constant pressure supply system; the power part (2) is provided with a rotary drive structure and drives the rotary part of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor (1) to be tested to move via the rotary drive structure; The high-temperature fluid generating device is connected to the liquid inlet of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor (1) to be tested and provides a sealing medium within a set temperature range therefor, and the material constant pressure supply system is connected to the aseptic gas-liquid distributor (1) to be tested and provides constant pressure material therefor.

2. A test system for a sterile gas-liquid dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that: A feed pipeline (3) and a return pipeline (4) are provided between the material constant pressure supply system and the aseptic gas-liquid distributor (1) to be tested, and pressure sensors and flow sensors are provided on both pipelines.

3. A test system for a sterile gas-liquid dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a control system (7) for starting and stopping the motor, monitoring and recording the data of each sensor, and controlling the action of each valve.

4. A test system for a sterile gas-liquid dispenser according to claim 3, characterized in that: The aseptic gas-liquid distributor (1) to be tested is divided into a rotating part and a non-rotating part, which are connected by a rotating seal, specifically a sealing ring combined with a liquid seal structure.

5. A test system for a sterile gas-liquid dispenser according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sealing medium provided by the high-temperature fluid generating device is condensed water, sterile water or steam.

6. A test system for a sterile gas-liquid dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that: The high-temperature fluid generating device is specifically a cooling water preparation system (5) or a boiler.

7. A testing method for a testing system using the aseptic gas-liquid dispenser according to claim 6, characterized in that: The test method specifically includes: Step 1: supplying material at a constant pressure into the aseptic gas-liquid distributor (1) to be tested through a material constant pressure supply system; Step 2: supplying a sealing medium matching a set temperature range to the liquid inlet of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor (1) to be tested through a high-temperature fluid generating device; Step 3: Start the rotary drive structure in the power part (2) to drive the rotary part of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor (1) to be tested to rotate, and keep the power constant during this process; Step 4: monitor the change of the initial flow rate through the flow sensors on the feed pipeline (3) and the return pipeline (4), and judge whether the initial sealing performance of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor (1) to be tested is qualified; keep the test system running continuously for a long time and monitor the change of the flow rate to judge the life of the sealing element of the aseptic gas-liquid distributor (1) to be tested.

Images