Device and method for producing a liquid film of a liquid medium in a film bag and arrangement for exposing the liquid medium in the film bag to physical radiation under control

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for producing a liquid medium liquid film in a film bag (3), comprising: two liquid storage surfaces (5, 7) spaced apart from each other by a liquid storage distance (A), between which a film bag (3) can be arranged and transported along a transport direction; a brake member (9) arranged behind the liquid storage surfaces (5, 7) along the transport direction, which is configured to brake the film bag (3); and a running surface (11) which is convex along the transport direction, which is configured and arranged so that the film bag (3) braked by the brake member (9) can be stretched on the running surface (11) behind the brake member (9), wherein the two liquid storage surfaces (5 , 7) at least one first liquid storage surface (5) is at least partially formed by a driven first conveyor belt (13), the first conveyor belt (13) being configured to transport the membrane bag (3) along a conveying direction, wherein the device (1) includes a controllable tensioning member (17) after the brake member (9) along the conveying direction, which is configured to tension the membrane bag (3) on a running surface (11) between the brake member (9) and the tensioning member (17), wherein the first conveyor belt (13) or a conveyor belt drive (27) for the first conveyor belt (13) can be controlled independently of the controllable tensioning member (17).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for producing a liquid film of a liquid medium in a membrane pocket, an arrangement for controlled exposure of a liquid medium in a membrane pocket to physical radiation using such a device, and a method for producing a liquid film of a liquid medium in a membrane pocket. Background Art

[0002] Modern methods for providing and treating liquid media, in particular biological liquid media, generally provide for the controlled exposure of such liquid media to physical radiation, for example for sterilization or disinfection, preservation, inactivation of cell proliferation or inactivation of contained viruses. In order to be able to precisely control the radiation dose acting on the liquid media, it is particularly important to produce an irradiated liquid film with a uniform layer thickness that is constant over time. For example, during electron irradiation, the accelerated electrons lose energy with increasing penetration depth, so that the depth dose is reduced. On the one hand, the layer thickness and the flow rate of the liquid media in the area of ​​the irradiated liquid film have a direct influence on the applied dose. If the liquid media is to be irradiated automatically, a uniform, controllable liquid film is required to ensure uniform treatment.

[0003] German patent DE 102015224206 B3 shows a device for producing such a liquid film, in which the film bag is clamped between two guide plates and tensioned and conveyed by friction wheels. During the conveying of the film bag, the friction surface between the film bag and the guide plates decreases, and the film bag tension also decreases. This can lead to uneven layer thickness in the film bag. In addition, the device does not allow the film bag tension or the conveying speed to be adjusted as a function of the layer thickness. In particular, the film bag tension and the film bag conveying aspects are coupled and cannot be set independently of each other. This can be improved in particular with regard to reproducible irradiation results and the controlled introduction of specific radiation doses. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of this, the object of the present invention is to propose an apparatus for producing a liquid-media liquid film in a membrane bag, an arrangement for exposing the liquid media in the membrane bag to physical radiation under control, and a method for producing a liquid-media liquid film in a membrane bag, so as to at least reduce or even eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0005] The solution to the above-mentioned purpose is the technical teaching of the present invention, especially the teaching of the embodiments disclosed in the specification.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention specifically provides a device for producing a liquid-medium liquid film in a membrane bag, the device comprising two liquid storage surfaces separated by a liquid storage distance, and the membrane bag can be arranged between the two liquid storage surfaces for transportation along the conveying direction. The brake member is arranged behind the liquid storage surface along the conveying direction and is configured to brake the membrane bag. The above-mentioned device also includes a running surface that is convex along the conveying direction, and the running surface is configured and arranged so that the membrane bag braked by the brake member can be stretched on the running surface behind the brake member. At least one first liquid storage surface of the two liquid storage surfaces is at least partially formed by a driven first conveyor belt, and the first conveyor belt is configured to transport the membrane bag along the conveying direction. The above-mentioned device includes a controllable tensioning member behind the brake member along the conveying direction, and the controllable tensioning member is configured to stretch the membrane bag on the running surface between the brake member and the tensioning member. The first conveyor belt or the conveyor belt driver for the first conveyor belt can be controlled independently of the controllable tensioning member. In particular, the apparatus according to the invention has both a driven first conveyor belt for conveying the film bags through the apparatus and a controllable tensioning element for tensioning the film bags, so that the bag tension of the film bags and the conveying speed through the apparatus can be set and in particular adjusted independently of one another. This ensures a constant uniform layer thickness over time and, last but not least, a controlled dose introduction into the liquid medium when the film bags are exposed to physical radiation.

[0007] The controllable tensioning element is particularly controllable in order to influence, in particular to set, preferably to regulate the bag tension of the film bag. The driven first conveyor belt is preferably controllable, or the conveyor belt drive for the driven first conveyor belt is preferably controllable in order to set, preferably to regulate, the conveying speed of the film bag through the device.

[0008] The first conveyor belt or a conveyor belt drive for the first conveyor belt can be controlled independently of the controllable tensioning element, so that setting (preferably regulating) the bag tension is decoupled from setting (preferably regulating) the film bag conveying speed.

[0009] Last but not least, the apparatus of the present invention advantageously avoids a reduction in the friction surface between the film bag and the liquid storage surface during the transport process, which results in a reduction in the bag tension. In addition, this also advantageously avoids uneven layer thickness in the film bag that increases over time.

[0010] As used herein, the terms "front" and "rear" are to be understood in particular in connection with the conveying direction. An element is arranged behind another element, i.e., in the conveying direction, so that it arrives after the other element when the film bag is conveyed through the device. Correspondingly, an element is arranged before another element, i.e., in the conveying direction, so that it arrives before the other element when the film bag is conveyed through the device.

[0011] In the present context, a membrane bag is to be understood as a membrane bag formed by at least one film, in particular a plastic film, which is configured to receive, store, transport and process liquid media, in particular biological liquid media. Existing membrane bags of this type are, for example, blood bags or infusion bags. However, such membrane bags are also used, for example, to store virus suspensions in vaccine production. There may be many other applications and other liquid media associated with such membrane bags. The membrane bag has in particular a base film and a covering film, wherein a closed compartment is formed between the base film and the covering film, in which the liquid media is contained. During operation of the device according to the invention, the base film is in particular located directly on the running surface, while the covering film is stretched over the base film and the liquid media.

[0012] The film bag can be constructed in particular as a so-called edge-sealed bag. The base film and the covering film are provided separately from each other and are welded or glued to each other via a weld seam (i.e., a sealing edge) to form a closed compartment between the base film and the covering film. Alternatively, the film bag is constructed as a so-called pouch bag, in which the film pouch is welded or glued partially or at both ends via a flat seam, thereby forming a closed compartment between the two seams. Due to the straight seam, the pouch bag has a flat shape as a whole, and just like an edge-sealed bag, it can be distinguished that the upper film section is the covering film and the lower film section is the base film. The film bag is preferably formed of at least one flexible and elastic plastic film within a certain limit, particularly preferably formed of PE or PET / PE composite materials, PP or PVC.

[0013] In the device of the present invention, a chain of independent compartments arranged one after the other can also be used as a film bag chain. The device of the present invention can also be used as part of an automated production line or a conveyor line, along which a plurality of film bags, in particular a film bag chain, are conveyed.

[0014] The liquid storage surfaces are particularly spaced apart from each other by liquid storage distances along the conveying direction. They are particularly arranged on one side of the conveying direction, i.e., on both sides of the film bag to be conveyed.

[0015] Preferably, the reservoir surface is at least partially designed to be planar.

[0016] The brake element is in particular configured as a coating of a brake diaphragm bag.

[0017] The tensioning element is in particular configured as a cover film of a tensioning film bag.

[0018] Preferably, the tensioning element can be controlled as a function of a preferably parameterizable predetermined layer thickness of the liquid film in the film pocket.

[0019] The device preferably has a first conveyor belt drive as a conveyor belt drive for the first conveyor belt, which is drivably connected to the first conveyor belt and is configured to drive the first conveyor belt. Alternatively, the first conveyor belt can be configured to interact with a drive mechanism or a conveyor belt drive (which is arranged separately from the device) so as to be driven by the drive mechanism or the conveyor belt drive.

[0020] The device preferably has a control device which is configured to actuate the tensioning element. In a preferred embodiment, the control device is also configured to actuate the first conveyor belt drive or a separate conveyor belt drive for the first conveyor belt.

[0021] Preferably, the first conveying surface is completely formed by the first conveyor belt.

[0022] Preferably, the running-in surface is partially formed by the first conveyor belt. This represents a particularly simple integrated design of the device, in particular because the membrane bags can be transported both in the region of the reservoir surface and in the region of the running-in surface by means of the first conveyor belt.

[0023] In particular, the running-in surface is preferably constructed on a cylindrical roller on which the first conveyor belt runs when the device is in operation. Preferably, the first conveyor belt is tensioned between two first cylindrical rollers and leaves the two cylindrical rollers as a circulating belt when the device is in operation. The running-in surface is arranged on the first cylindrical roller of the two cylindrical rollers.

[0024] The first conveyor belt is preferably formed from steel (especially as a steel belt) or consists of steel. Alternatively, the first conveyor belt can be formed from plastic, especially fluororubber (FKM) or consists of plastic, especially fluororubber (FKM).

[0025] The liquid storage surface is preferably at least substantially vertically oriented, more preferably vertically oriented. When the device is in operation, the first conveyor belt preferably runs vertically upwards in the area of ​​the first liquid storage surface, so that the membrane bags are also conveyed upwards in the area of ​​the liquid storage surface when the device is in operation. The running surface is preferably arranged at the upper end of the device.

[0026] Without being bound by theory, the function of the device is at least approximately based on the following considerations: if the film bag is stretched on the convexly curved running surface, the covering film is arranged along a larger circumferential track than the base film that is pressed against the running surface, because the distance from the center of curvature of the convexly curved running surface is greater. The flexible covering film, which is extensible within certain limits, is stretched tight in the region of the running surface and locally produces a controlled contraction in the film bag, so that the desired uniform liquid film can be formed there. The liquid film is formed when the film bag is transported on the running surface, specifically in the first stage, due to the braking effect of the brake and the contraction caused by the film bag being stretched on the convex running point, the liquid medium remains in the compartment of the film bag still arranged before the brake, so that the liquid medium is initially not transported further or only to a small extent relative to the film bag itself. However, since the volume limitation of the reservoir cavity formed by the reservoir distance prevents the sub-compartment between the reservoir surfaces from expanding, there is a local pressure increase here. In the second stage, the liquid medium accumulated in the compartment is actively pumped in the conveying direction of the membrane bag. Due to the design of the device of the present invention, the liquid medium flows in a controlled and uniform manner between the films (i.e., the base film and the covering film) stretched on the convex curved running surface, thereby passing over the membrane bag and being contained in the membrane bag compartment arranged behind the tensioning member, which sub-compartment can expand freely. In this way, there is a membrane bag compartment on the convex curved running surface between the brake member and the tensioning member, in which the liquid medium contained is in the form of a thin liquid film, and its surface / volume ratio is conducive to the controlled exposure of the dose to physical radiation.

[0027] The liquid film can preferably be produced here with a uniform thickness of 200 μm or less. The layer thickness is preferably at least 20 μm and at most 200 μm.

[0028] The device according to the invention makes it possible in particular to adjust the layer thickness independently of the transport speed, since the transport of the film bags and the generation of bag tension are decoupled from one another.

[0029] According to an improved solution of the present invention, the second of the two liquid storage levels is at least partially formed by the second conveyor belt. Advantageously, both liquid storage levels can be formed at least partially by the conveyor belt, so that the film bags can be conveyed in a particularly clear manner by the conveyor belt, especially between the conveyor belts.

[0030] The second conveying surface is preferably formed completely by the second conveyor belt.

[0031] The second conveyor belt is preferably formed of steel, and the second conveyor belt is more preferably composed of steel. In particular, the second conveyor belt is preferably configured as a steel belt. Alternatively, the second conveyor belt can be formed of plastic, especially fluororubber (FKM) or composed of plastic, especially fluororubber (FKM).

[0032] According to an improved solution of the present invention, the first conveyor belt is arranged on the first liquid storage plate and can be displaced relative to the first liquid storage plate. This advantageously provides at least partial guidance and support for the displacement of the first conveyor belt. In addition, the first liquid storage plate advantageously bears the contact pressure of the membrane bag and supports the membrane belt.

[0033] The second conveyor belt is preferably arranged on the second reservoir plate and can be displaced relative to the second reservoir plate. In this way, the second conveyor belt is advantageously guided and supported at least partially, wherein the contact pressure of the film bag can also be borne and supported by the second reservoir plate.

[0034] Particularly preferably, the first conveyor belt is arranged on the first reservoir plate and can be displaced relative to the first reservoir plate, and the second conveyor belt is arranged on the second reservoir plate and can be displaced relative to the second reservoir plate. This allows the film bag and the conveyor belt to be guided and supported particularly stably during the transport of the film bag. In particular, the film bag can be arranged between the reservoir plates and can be transported there by the conveyor belt.

[0035] According to a further development of the invention, the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt are mechanically coupled to each other with respect to their running speed. This represents a particularly simple design of the device, wherein in particular the second conveyor belt can be driven by the same conveyor belt drive as the first conveyor belt. At the same time, undesirable running speed differences between the conveyor belts are advantageously avoided.

[0036] Alternatively, the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt are preferably each equipped with an independently controllable conveyor belt drive. This means in particular that the first conveyor belt drive for the first conveyor belt can be controlled independently of the second conveyor belt drive for the second conveyor belt, and vice versa. This allows a particularly flexible control of the conveyor belt drives and a particularly flexible selection of different operating speeds, in particular in order to additionally influence the transport parameters of the film bags. Preferably, the operating speeds of the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt can be set, preferably electronically. In particular, the control device is preferably operatively connected to the first conveyor belt drive and the second conveyor belt drive and is configured to specify the operating speeds, in particular independently of each other. Advantageously, this makes it possible to move the two conveyor belts at different speeds or even at least temporarily in different directions, so as to influence the transport parameters of the film bags particularly flexibly as required.

[0037] The reservoir distance may be constant along the conveying direction, or alternatively, the reservoir distance may be continuously narrowed along the conveying direction. In particular, the first reservoir surface and the second reservoir surface may be planes, preferably configured to be parallel to each other in the plane. The reservoir distance may be, for example, about 1 mm, preferably at most 1 mm or less than 1 mm.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir distance may also have a discrete change in the conveying direction, in particular a discrete narrowing in the conveying direction. Preferably, at least one reservoir surface selected from the first reservoir surface and the second reservoir surface has a step, wherein the reservoir distance changes in the step area, in particular narrows, in particular from a first constant distance value before the step (for example 1 mm) to a smaller second constant distance value after the step (for example 0.5 mm). The second distance value is preferably approximately half the first distance value, preferably half the first distance value. The change, narrowing or step is preferably arranged in the area before the brake element, in particular when measured in the conveying direction, the distance from the brake element is less than half of the length of one of the reservoir surfaces (in particular the reservoir surface with the step) measured in the conveying direction, preferably less than one third of this length, in particular less than one quarter of this length.

[0039] According to a further development of the invention, at least one of the two reservoir surfaces can be displaced relative to the other of the two reservoir surfaces, so that the reservoir distance can be set. This makes it possible to advantageously set the reservoir distance, in particular as a further transport parameter in relation to the transport of the membrane bag. In particular, the friction between the membrane bag and the reservoir surface can be varied, preferably also dynamically during the transport of the membrane bag through the device.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the reservoir distance can be set constant along the conveying direction. In this case, the reservoir surfaces are arranged at least substantially parallel to each other, preferably parallel to each other.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the reservoir distance can preferably be arranged to taper in the conveying direction. The reservoir surfaces are then oriented at least slightly tilted relative to one another in a wedge-shaped arrangement, wherein the reservoir distance between the reservoir surfaces becomes smaller as viewed in the conveying direction. This increases the friction between the membrane bag and the reservoir surface in particular toward the brake element. Other conveying parameters can be advantageously varied by providing a narrowing of the reservoir distance.

[0042] According to an improved solution of the present invention, the brake element is configured as a brake roller. Preferably, the brake roller has at least one static friction increasing element, and particularly preferably, a plurality of friction rings are mounted on the roller base of the brake roller and are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the brake roller. In a preferred embodiment, the friction ring is configured as an O-ring.

[0043] Preferably, the brake roller is coupled to the speed of the first conveyor belt. This means that the brake roller is designed particularly simply as a brake element for passive braking, without requiring either a separate braking device or a dedicated drive for the brake roller. In particular, the brake roller is preferably coupled to the speed of the first conveyor belt, so that it abuts against the first conveyor belt via at least one static friction-increasing element and is thus coupled to the first conveyor belt in a friction-fitting manner. The brake roller can then in particular move synchronously with the first conveyor belt, preferably without the brake roller being accelerated relative to the first conveyor belt at least by forces or moments occurring during normal operation of the device.

[0044] Alternatively, the brake roller is preferably driven independently of the first conveyor belt. This allows the transmission parameters to be set particularly flexibly and additionally influences the generation of the bag tension. In this design, the brake roller can especially rotate at a speed independent of the running speed of the first conveyor belt.

[0045] Alternatively, the brake roller can preferably be actively or passively braked. Active braking can be achieved, for example, by a controllable braking mechanism, such as a brake shoe, or by an electric motor, which is operatively connected to the brake roller and can be driven in the braking direction, for example, operating as a generator. Passive braking can be provided, for example, by a suitably arranged centrifugal brake.

[0046] According to a further development of the invention, the tensioning element is designed as a tensioning roller. This also represents a simple and reliable functional design of the device. The control device is operatively connected to the tensioning element and is particularly configured to drive the tensioning element under conditions of a controlled torque, preferably a regulated torque or a controlled speed, preferably a regulated speed, depending on a certain layer thickness of the liquid film to be produced, which is preferably parameterizable. In particular, when the tensioning element is controlled under conditions of a controlled torque or a regulated torque, it is particularly preferred that the specific method is such that no slippage occurs between the tensioning element, especially the tensioning roller, and the film coating of the film bag. The film coating is then advantageously subjected to a certain tensioning force generated by the torque of the tensioning roller, especially due to static friction, which results in tensioning of the film bag.

[0047] In contrast, controlling the tensioning element under speed control, preferably speed regulation, is a simpler embodiment, but still allows good definition of the bag tension. In this case, however, slippage between the film and the tensioning roller can be tolerated. The tensioning force introduced into the film can also be generated in particular by the sliding friction between the tensioning roller and the film.

[0048] According to an improved solution of the present invention, the device has a temperature control device, which is configured to control the temperature of the running surface. In this way, the liquid film temperature can be advantageously adjusted, especially in a range that is conducive to exposure to physical radiation or desired effects.

[0049] The temperature control device is preferably configured to increase the temperature of the running surface.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the device preferably has a cooling device which is configured to cool the tensioning element. By means of the tensioning element, the membrane bag and the medium arranged therein can preferably be cooled simultaneously, in particular after a possible heating up of the running surface area, and can be cooled again. Advantageously, the heating up of the medium provided for the treatment can take place only for a relatively short time, so that in particular the long-term durability of the medium is not endangered.

[0051] According to an improved solution of the invention, the device has a measuring device for determining the thickness of the liquid film. In this way, the layer thickness can be advantageously detected, in particular, the layer thickness can be adjusted preferably by driving a controllable tensioning member and / or at least the first conveyor belt.

[0052] "Determining the layer thickness" does not necessarily mean that the layer thickness is determined explicitly. Rather, for the purpose of reproducible operation of the device while maintaining a constant layer thickness over time, in particular the liquid medium is exposed to physical radiation under controlled conditions, and a physical variable is indirectly recorded as a measure of the layer thickness or at least uniquely linked to the layer thickness, wherein the physical variable is adjusted such that the layer thickness is constant over time. However, it is of course also possible to record the layer thickness explicitly and preferably to adjust it.

[0053] The measuring device is preferably configured to determine the layer thickness by optical, electrical or electronic pressure measurement and / or by detecting the flow rate of the liquid medium in the membrane pocket.

[0054] For the determination by pressure measurement, a pressure sensor is preferably provided, which is arranged upstream of the brake element in the conveying direction. The pressure is preferably detected by the pressure sensor as a measure of the flow resistance of the fluid medium, which depends on the layer thickness on the running surface. Preferably, the pressure is recorded continuously or at discrete time intervals. Particularly preferably, the relative change in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor over time is evaluated. The layer thickness can then preferably be back-calculated with the aid of a model and / or the pressure can be regulated to be constant within a predetermined pressure range in order to keep the layer thickness constant.

[0055] The optical determination of the layer thickness is preferably selected from the group consisting of imaging methods, detection of shadows, detection of intensities (especially the color or brightness of the liquid film on the running surface) and interferometry.

[0056] Both imaging methods and detecting shadows (especially detecting the shadow of a liquid film on a light source) allow direct measurement of layer height.

[0057] Measuring the intensity, in particular the chromaticity and / or brightness, of the liquid film also allows the layer thickness to be determined, in particular if the liquid medium is luminescent, fluorescent or colored in some other way.

[0058] Finally, interferometric measurements also allow the layer thickness to be determined directly, in particular by means of a device having a gap-forming element which is arranged opposite the running-in surface so that an optical gap through the coating is formed at the highest point of the convex running-in surface and thus at the maximum of the liquid film, but is also limited by the gap-forming element. The interference pattern that appears in the gap formed in this way in transmission is directly dependent on the layer thickness.

[0059] Measuring by electrical or electronic means comprises, in particular, capacitance measurement and / or measurement by high-frequency detuning of the layer thickness.

[0060] Since the liquid medium flowing in the membrane bag forms a liquid film particularly dynamically, in particular in the region of the running-in surface, beyond the membrane bag, the layer thickness is directly related to the flow velocity of the liquid medium in the membrane bag. The layer thickness can thus also be determined by detecting the flow velocity of the liquid medium in the membrane bag in the region of the running-in surface. This can be detected, for example, using the PIV method (Particle Image Velocimetry), ultrasound or other non-contact flow velocity measurement methods. The flow velocity measurement is preferably performed on the inlet side and the outlet side.

[0061] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention also proposes an arrangement for exposing a liquid medium in a membrane bag to physical radiation under control, which arrangement has an apparatus according to the present invention or an apparatus according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments. The arrangement also has a radiation source for physical radiation, which is configured and arranged to irradiate the membrane bag in the area of ​​the convex running surface. With regard to this arrangement, in particular, the advantages already explained above with respect to the apparatus are achieved. In particular, the irradiation is carried out when a liquid film with a clearly defined and time-constant layer thickness is produced by the apparatus of the present invention, especially at the maximum of the convex running surface. Therefore, the liquid medium can be exposed to physical radiation in a dose-controlled manner.

[0062] Physical radiation is generally understood to mean physical radiation phenomena, whether particle radiation or wave radiation. The radiation source is preferably configured to emit ionizing radiation. The radiation source is preferably configured to emit electromagnetic radiation or particle radiation, in particular beta radiation, hard or soft X-rays, ultraviolet radiation, visible electromagnetic radiation (light), infrared or thermal radiation, terahertz radiation, microwave radiation, atomic ion radiation, proton radiation, positron radiation or other types of radiation.

[0063] Finally, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention also proposes a method for producing a liquid film of a liquid medium in a film bag, wherein the film bag is conveyed in a conveying direction by means of an apparatus according to the present invention or an apparatus according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments, wherein a liquid film having a uniform layer thickness, preferably a constant layer thickness over time, is produced by independently controlling at least one conveyor belt drive and a tensioning element for a first conveyor belt. With regard to the above-mentioned method, in particular, the advantages already described with respect to the apparatus and the arrangement are present.

[0064] The independent control of the belt drive and the tensioning element means in particular that there is no direct correlation between the control of the belt drive of the first conveyor belt and the control of the tensioning element. Indirect or indirect correlations are not excluded, in particular the adjustment of the layer thickness as a superordinate variable means that both the control of the belt drive and the control of the tensioning element are adapted, and if necessary even the control of the belt drive and the control of the tensioning element can be coordinated with each other. However, in particular there is no direct mechanical, electronic or other logical coupling between the control of the belt drive and the control of the tensioning element, i.e. a change in the control of one element immediately leads to a change in the control of the other element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] The present invention is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0066] Figure 1 A diagram showing an embodiment of an arrangement with a first embodiment of an apparatus for producing a liquid film of a liquid medium in a film pocket;

[0067] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A side view of the device shown in a second functional position;

[0068] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 a top view of the device shown;

[0069] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 Exploded view of the equipment shown;

[0070] Figure 5 A detailed schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the device is shown;

[0071] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing details of a third embodiment of the device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] Figure 1 In particular, a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a device 1 for producing a liquid film of a liquid medium in a film bag 3 is shown. Figure 3 The membrane bag 3 is schematically shown in FIG. The device 1 has two Figure 2 The liquid storage surfaces shown are spaced apart from each other by a liquid storage distance A, namely a first liquid storage surface 5 and a second liquid storage surface 7, and the membrane bag 3 can be arranged between the two and Figure 1The film bag 3 is conveyed vertically upward in the conveying direction. The brake element 9 is arranged behind the liquid storage surface 5, 7 in the conveying direction and is configured to brake the film bag 3. The device 1 also includes a running-in surface 11 that is convex in the conveying direction and is configured and arranged so that the film bag 3 braked by the brake element 9 can be stretched on the running-in surface 11 behind the brake element 11. In the area of ​​the running-in surface 11, the conveying direction is also deflected by the curvature of the running-in surface 11; the conveying direction also particularly follows the curvature of the running-in surface 11, and so does the conveyed film bag 3.

[0073] The first reservoir level 5 is formed at least partially, preferably completely, by a driven first conveyor belt 13 which is configured to convey the membrane pockets 3 in a conveying direction.

[0074] In this Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second reservoir level 7 is preferably also formed at least partially, preferably completely, by the preferentially driven second conveyor belt 15 .

[0075] The device 1 comprises a controllable tensioning element 17 after the brake element 9 in the conveying direction, which is configured to tension the film bag 3 on the running surface 11 between the brake element 9 and the tensioning element 17. The first conveyor belt 13 or a conveyor belt drive for the first conveyor belt 13 can be driven independently of the controllable tensioning element 17.

[0076] With the aid of the driven first conveyor belt 13 and the controllable tensioning element 17, it is particularly advantageous to set, in particular adjust, the bag tension of the film bag 3 in the region of the running-in surface 11 and the conveying speed of the film bag 3 independently of one another. In this way, a uniform layer thickness of the liquid film in the film bag 3 in the region of the running-in surface 11 can be ensured over time. This is particularly advantageous for the dose-controlled exposure of the liquid medium to physical radiation with the aid of the device 1.

[0077] Preferably, the running surface 11 is at least partially, preferably completely, formed by the first conveyor belt 13. In particular, the running surface 11 is arranged on a first first cylindrical roller 19, and the first conveyor belt 13 runs on two first cylindrical rollers 19, 19' (i.e., the first first cylindrical roller 19 and the second first cylindrical roller 19') and is preferably tensioned by the first cylindrical rollers 19, 19'.

[0078] The second conveyor belt 15 preferably runs on two second cylindrical rollers 21, 21' and is preferably tensioned between the second cylindrical rollers 21, 21'. In particular, the first conveyor belt 13 and the second conveyor belt 15 are preferably configured as endless belts.

[0079] Here, the first conveyor belt 13 is arranged on the first reservoir plate 23 and can be displaced relative to the first reservoir plate 23. The second conveyor belt 15 is arranged on the second reservoir plate 25 and can be displaced relative to the second reservoir plate 25. The membrane bag 3 can be arranged between the reservoir plates 23, 25 and conveyed by the conveyor belts 13, 15. The reservoir distance A is preferably defined in particular by the distance between the reservoir plates 23, 25.

[0080] According to a preferred embodiment, the first conveyor belt 13 and the second conveyor belt 15 are mechanically coupled to each other in terms of running speed. To this end, for example, one of the first cylindrical rollers 19, 19' can advantageously be mechanically operatively connected to one of the second cylindrical rollers 21, 21', for example by a belt drive or a gear drive or other suitable means, so as to ensure the synchronous movement of the conveyor belts 13, 15 caused by the common conveyor belt drive.

[0081] Alternatively, however, the first conveyor belt 13 and the second conveyor belt 15 can be provided with independently controllable conveyor belt drives, here for example a first conveyor belt drive 27 for the first conveyor belt 13 and a second conveyor belt drive 29 for the second conveyor belt 15 (shown only schematically), preferably the running speed of the first conveyor belt 13 and the second conveyor belt 15 can be set, preferably electronically. The conveyor belt drives 27, 29 can also be connected to the conveyor belt drive 27, 29 in addition to the present invention. Figure 1 The cylindrical rollers 19, 19', 21, 21' other than those shown are associated, especially in the preferred embodiment, Figure 1 The cylindrical rollers 19, 21 in the middle and upper part.

[0082] In particular, the device 1 preferably has a control device 31, which is based on Figure 1 A means not explicitly shown is operatively connected to at least one conveyor belt drive, in particular the first conveyor belt drive 27 and the second conveyor belt drive 29 , in order to actuate at least one conveyor belt drive, in particular the two conveyor belt drives 27 , 29 .

[0083] The independently controllable conveyor belt drives 27 , 29 for the first conveyor belt 13 and the second conveyor belt 15 allow further variation of the conveying parameters of the film bags 3 , in particular the conveyor belts 13 , 15 can be moved at different speeds or even in different directions.

[0084] The device 1 preferably has a temperature control device 33, which is configured to control the temperature of the running surface 11, in particular to increase the temperature thereof. The temperature control device 33 is preferably operatively connected to the control device 31 and controllable thereby.

[0085] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus 1 preferably has a cooling device 35, which is configured to cool the tensioning member 17. In a preferred embodiment, the cooling device 35 is also operatively connected to the control device 31 and can be controlled thereby.

[0086] The device 1 is preferably part of an arrangement 2 for controlled exposure of a liquid medium in a membrane bag 3 to physical radiation. In addition to the device 1, the arrangement 2 also comprises a radiation source 4 configured to emit physical radiation. The radiation source 4 is arranged so that the membrane bag 3 can be irradiated in the region of the convexly curved running surface 11. The radiation source 4 is especially configured to emit particle radiation and / or wave radiation, especially ionizing radiation, especially beta radiation, hard or soft X-rays, ultraviolet radiation, visible light, infrared or thermal radiation, terahertz radiation, microwave radiation, atomic ion radiation, proton radiation, positron radiation or other forms of physical radiation.

[0087] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The device 1 is shown in two different functional positions.

[0088] In the various drawings, the same elements with the same functions are marked with the same reference numerals, so that reference can be made to the above contents.

[0089] Figure 2 In a), the device 1 is shown in the first functional position, in which the conveyor belts 13, 15 and the liquid storage plates 23, 25 are arranged far apart from each other, so that the liquid storage distance A is large. In this first functional position, the membrane bag 3 can be placed in particular between the conveyor belts 13, 15. In b), the conveyor belts 13, 15 and the liquid storage plates 23, 25 are arranged closer in the second functional position, so that the liquid storage distance A is smaller. In particular, in this second functional position, the membrane bag 3 is pressed between the liquid storage plates 23, 25 and the conveyor belts 13, 15, whereby the liquid medium in the membrane bag 3 is evenly distributed over a defined volume. By appropriately driving the conveyor belts 13, 15, the membrane bag 3 can be transported, in particular passing under the radiation source 4.

[0090] In summary, at least one of the reservoir levels 5, 7, preferably the first reservoir level 5, can be displaced relative to the other reservoir level 7, 5, so that a reservoir distance A can be set. This can preferably be set constant in the conveying direction and / or gradually narrowing in the conveying direction.

[0091] Figure 2 Only the liquid storage distance A is shown to be set constant. The liquid storage surfaces 5 and 7 are arranged parallel to each other and at a certain distance. If the angle between the liquid storage surfaces 5 and 7 can also be changed so that the liquid storage distance A becomes narrower along the conveying direction, Figure 1 If the film bag 3 narrows from vertically downward to vertically upward, more freedom will be provided for changing the conveying conditions of the film bag 3.

[0092] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 A top view of the device 1 is shown.

[0093] The brake element 9 is preferably configured as a brake roller 37. In the example of the preferred embodiment shown in the figure, the brake roller 37 is speed-coupled with the first conveyor belt 13. This is preferably achieved by connecting the brake roller 37 to the first conveyor belt 13 via a friction fit.

[0094] Specifically, the brake roller 37 is provided with a plurality of friction rings 39 spaced apart along the axial direction of the brake roller 37, which are in contact with the film bag 3 not only in the central area of ​​the brake roller 37, but also in frictional contact with the first conveyor belt 13 in the lateral edge areas of the brake roller 37. This makes it easy to couple the rotation speed of the brake roller 37 with the running speed of the first conveyor belt 13. This represents a special design of the brake roller 37 for passive braking.

[0095] In an alternative embodiment, the brake roller 37 can be driven independently of the first conveyor belt 13. Alternatively, it can also be actively braked or in other embodiments passively braked, for example by means of a centrifugal brake.

[0096] The tensioning member 17 is preferably configured as a tensioning roller 41. Preferably, the tensioning roller 41 is also partially provided with friction rings 39 arranged at intervals from each other in the axial direction of the tensioning roller 41, but preferably only in the central area where the friction ring 39 is in frictional contact with the film bag 3; on the other hand, the tensioning roller 41 preferably does not have a friction ring 39 on the side of the area of ​​the film bag 3, so that the tensioning roller 41 and the first conveyor belt 13 are not coupled at speed to each other.

[0097] The control device 31 is preferably operatively connected to the tensioning element 17, in particular to the individual roller drive 43 of the tensioning roller 41, and is configured to drive the tensioning element 17 (in this case the tensioning roller 41) according to a preferably parameterizable certain layer thickness of the liquid film to be produced, so as to drive the roller drive 43 accordingly. Preferably, the control is performed under the conditions of controlling the torque, preferably regulating the torque, or controlling the speed, preferably regulating the speed.

[0098] In particular, the frictional contact between the tensioning roller 41 and the film bag 3 preferably tensions the film coating of the film bag 3 so that, in cooperation with the brake roller 37, the running surface 11 and the conveyor belts 13, 15, a liquid film of a preferably parameterizable layer thickness can be generated in the film bag 3 on the running surface 11.

[0099] The film bag 3 is tensioned between the brake roller 37 and the tensioning roller 41 just on the upper side of the first conveyor belt 13. The brake roller 3737 is coupled to the first conveyor belt 13 and the film bag 33 in a friction fit. The tensioning roller 41 rests on the film of the film bag 3 so that the film bag 3 can be clamped between the brake roller 37 and the tensioning roller 41. The liquid medium in the region of the initial running-in surface 11 of the defined bag tension has a uniform layer thickness that is constant over time. For adjusting the layer thickness, the torque or the rotational speed of the tensioning roller 41 plays a decisive role, especially depending on whether the bag tension is to be adjusted while maintaining the static friction between the tensioning roller 41 and the film, that is, in particular while avoiding slippage between the tensioning roller 41 and the film, or whether a temporary slippage is allowed, in which case the bag tension is also adjusted by the sliding friction between the tensioning roller 41 and the film.

[0100] Figure 4 Shows Figures 1 to 3 The illustrated embodiment of the device 1 is a detailed view during operation, which shows the predetermined layer thickness D of the liquid film in the membrane pocket 3 in the region of the running-in surface 11 .

[0101] from Figure 4 It can be seen that the distance value of the reservoir distance A is not the same along the entire length of the reservoir surface 5, 7. Specifically, the second reservoir surface 7 has a step 44 in the area before the brake member 9, where the reservoir distance A changes, that is, from a larger first distance value before the step 44 to a smaller second distance value after the step 44.

[0102] In order to be able to adjust the bag tension, in particular by appropriately controlling the tensioning element 17, a measuring device 45 is preferably provided, which is configured to directly or indirectly determine the layer thickness D, which is sufficient for the measuring device 45 to provide a measured variable, based on which a uniform layer thickness D that is constant over time can be adjusted, without the need to explicitly determine the layer thickness D itself.

[0103] The measuring device 45 is preferably configured to determine the layer thickness D by optical, electrical or electronic pressure measurement and / or by detecting the flow rate of the liquid medium in the membrane pocket 3 .

[0104] The measuring device 45 is preferably operatively connected to the control device 31 , so that the measured variables recorded by the measuring device 45 are available to the control device 31 .

[0105] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the measuring device 45 is designed as a pressure sensor 47. The pressure sensor 47 can be used to detect the pressure as a measure of the flow resistance of the liquid medium, wherein the detected pressure can preferably be regulated to a certain constant value in order to set a constant layer thickness D.

[0106] Figure 5A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the device 1 is shown. Here, the measuring device 45 is designed as an optical measuring device, which directly records the layer thickness D by detecting the shadow cast by the light source 49 on the sensor 51. The light source 49 can be, in particular, an LED or a laser diode. The sensor 51 can be, in particular, a phototransistor, a photodiode, a linear sensor or a camera, in particular a linear camera or a matrix camera. The sensor 51 is mounted in the region of the running surface 11 transversely to the conveying direction, in particular perpendicularly to the conveying direction, in particular opposite the light source 49, so that the light generated by the light source 49 extends along the maximum of the running surface 11 and thus precisely in the region where the layer thickness D is to be measured.

[0107] If the layer thickness D increases, the sensor surface of the sensor 51 is increasingly shaded. If, on the other hand, the layer thickness D decreases, more light is incident from the light source 49 on the sensor 51. In this way, in particular the highest points of the film can be detected. The maximum value of the layer thickness D is decisive for the inline quality control, since the depth dose distribution exhibits the greatest inhomogeneity during the irradiation at this point. The values ​​thus measured can be supplied to a control algorithm, which then drives, in particular, the tensioning roller 41 in order to adapt the bag tension of the film bag 3 accordingly.

[0108] Figure 5 In a), the layer thickness D of the film bag 3 is small; in b), the film bag 3 has an inhomogeneous layer thickness D, which is locally larger.

[0109] Figure 6 A view of a third embodiment of the device 1 is shown. Here, the measuring device 45 is configured for optical interferometry, the light source 49 is configured to emit coherent light radiation, and the sensor 51 is configured to detect the interference pattern. The light source 49 can be designed in particular as a laser, in particular a laser diode. The sensor 51 is preferably a camera or a linear sensor.

[0110] In the maximum value area of ​​the running surface 11 and thus in the area of ​​the layer thickness D to be measured, the measuring device 45 has a gap forming member 53, which is wedge-shaped and extends along the running surface 11 transversely to the conveying direction, in particular perpendicularly to the conveying direction, wherein the gap forming end 55, in particular the tip of the gap forming member 53, faces the running surface 11 and is arranged at a certain distance from the running surface 11. Even if no film bag 3 is arranged in the device 1, a gap can be formed, and the size of the gap can be determined by the interference of the radiation emitted by the light source 49 detected by the sensor 51.

[0111] The width of the gap formed in this way is then defined on the one hand by the fixed arrangement of the gap-forming elements 53 and on the other hand by the layer thickness D of the liquid film in the membrane pocket 3 .

[0112] The interference pattern 57 detectable in the sensor 51 depends on the instantaneous width of the gap and thus directly on the layer thickness D. a) shows the situation in which no membrane pocket 3 is arranged in the device 1. The interference pattern 57 has a small spatial period in this case.

[0113] b) shows a situation in which a membrane pocket 3 with a liquid medium of limited layer thickness D is arranged on the running surface 11. As a result, the gap becomes narrower and the interference pattern 57 has a larger spatial period. The layer thickness D can be directly inferred from the spatial period of the interference pattern 57.

[0114] The light from the light source 49 is deflected twice here by two deflection mirrors 59. However, this does not necessarily have to be the case.

[0115] The measured values ​​of the layer thickness D can also be recorded directly or indirectly by imaging methods and by methods for determining the flow rate of the liquid medium in the membrane pocket 3 .

[0116] As part of the method for producing a liquid film of a liquid medium in a film bag 3, the film bag 3 is conveyed in a conveying direction through the device 1. On the one hand, there is at least a conveyor drive 27 for the first conveyor belt 13 or a common conveyor drive for both conveyor belts 13, 15, so that a uniform liquid film is produced, preferably with a constant layer thickness over time, and on the other hand, the tensioning elements 17 are controlled independently of each other.

Claims

1. A device (1) for producing a liquid medium liquid film in a film bag (3), comprising: Two liquid storage surfaces (5, 7) spaced apart from each other by a liquid storage distance (A), between which the membrane bag (3) can be arranged and transported along a transport direction; A brake member (9) arranged behind the liquid storage surface (5, 7) along the conveying direction and configured to brake the membrane bag (3); as well as A running surface (11) which is convex in the conveying direction and is configured and arranged so that the film bag (3) braked by the brake element (9) can be stretched on the running surface (11) behind the brake element (9), wherein: At least one first liquid storage level (5) of the two liquid storage levels (5, 7) is at least partially formed by a driven first conveyor belt (13), which is configured to transport the film bag (3) along a conveying direction, wherein The device (1) comprises a controllable tensioning element (17) after the brake element (9) in the conveying direction, which is configured to tension the film bag (3) on the running surface (11) between the brake element (9) and the tensioning element (17), wherein: The first conveyor belt (13) or a conveyor belt drive (27) for the first conveyor belt (13) can be controlled independently of the controllable tensioning element (17); In this case, a liquid film with a constant layer thickness over time is generated by independently controlling at least one conveyor belt drive (27) and the tensioning element (17) for the first conveyor belt (13).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The second liquid storage level (7) of the two liquid storage levels (5, 7) is at least partially formed by a driven second conveyor belt (15).

3. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first conveyor belt (13) is arranged on the first liquid storage plate (23) and is movable relative to the first liquid storage plate (23).

4. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second liquid storage level (7) of the two liquid storage levels (5, 7) is at least partially formed by a driven second conveyor belt (15), the first conveyor belt (13) is arranged on a first liquid storage plate (23) and can be moved relative to the first liquid storage plate (23), wherein: The second conveyor belt (15) is arranged on the second liquid storage plate (25) and is movable relative to the second liquid storage plate (25).

5. The device (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The membrane bag (3) can be arranged between the first liquid storage plate (23) and the second liquid storage plate (25), and conveyed by the first conveyor belt (13) and the second conveyor belt (15).

6. The device (1) according to claim 2, wherein: a) the first conveyor belt (13) and the second conveyor belt (15) are mechanically coupled to each other in terms of running speed, or b) The first conveyor belt (13) and the second conveyor belt (15) are each provided with an independently controllable conveyor belt drive (27, 29).

7. The device (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The running speeds of the first conveyor belt (13) and the second conveyor belt (15) are adjustable.

8. The device (1) according to claim 7, wherein: The running speeds of the first conveyor belt (13) and the second conveyor belt (15) are electrically controllable and adjustable.

9. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least one of the liquid storage surfaces (5, 7) is movable relative to the other liquid storage surface (7, 5), so that the liquid storage distance (A) is adjustable.

10. The device (1) according to claim 9, wherein: The liquid storage distance (A) can be adjusted to: constant in the direction of transport, and / or Narrows in the conveying direction.

11. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The brake element (9) is configured as a brake roller (37). The brake roller (37) is speed-coupled with the first conveyor belt (13), The brake roller (37) is driven independently of the first conveyor belt (13), or The brake roller (37) adopts active or passive braking.

12. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The tensioning element (17) is designed as a tensioning roller (41), wherein the device (1) comprises a control device (31) which is operatively connected to the tensioning element (17) and is configured such that the tensioning element (17) is controlled in the following manner depending on the parameterizable layer thickness of the liquid film to be produced: Torque control, or Speed ​​control.

13. The device (1) according to claim 12, wherein: The control device (31) is configured such that the tensioning element (17) is actuated in a torque-controlled or speed-controlled manner as a function of a parameterizable layer thickness of the liquid film to be produced.

14. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: A temperature control device (33) configured to control the temperature of the running surface (11), and / or A cooling device (35) is configured to cool the tensioning member (17).

15. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: A measuring device (45) is used to determine the layer thickness of the liquid film to be produced.

16. The device (1) according to claim 15, wherein The measuring device (45) is configured to determine the layer thickness by optical, electrical or electronic pressure measurement and / or by detecting the flow rate of the liquid medium in the membrane bag (3).

17. An arrangement (2) for exposing a liquid medium in a membrane bag (3) to physical radiation under control, comprising an apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and a radiation source (4) of physical radiation, wherein the radiation source (4) is arranged to irradiate around the membrane bag (3) in the area of ​​a convex running surface (11).

18. A method for producing a liquid medium film in a film bag (3), wherein: The film bags (3) are conveyed in a conveying direction by means of an apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein a liquid film with a uniform layer thickness is generated by independently controlling at least one conveyor belt drive (27) for the first conveyor belt (13) and the tensioning element (17).

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