An online continuous filtration centrifuge

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of centrifuge technology, specifically disclosing an online continuous filtration centrifuge, comprising a rotatable centrifuge tube, a filter assembly inside the centrifuge tube, and a hollow filter membrane comprising an upper membrane layer, a lower membrane layer, and a connecting portion that fixes the upper and lower membrane layers together, forming a hollow structure between the upper and lower membrane layers; the filter assembly, when cut along the axial direction of the centrifuge tube, has multiple U-shaped sections one and two, with the openings of two U-shaped sections facing away from each other and staggered along the axial direction of the centrifuge tube; a jacket is fixed inside the centrifuge tube, and the jacket has an annular hollow cavity; the openings of the U-shaped sections of the hollow filter membrane all face the hollow cavity and communicate with the hollow cavity; the jacket has an outlet pipe communicating with the hollow cavity; and a discharge pipe is connected to the bottom of the centrifuge tube. This solution addresses the problem of low separation efficiency in current non-online continuous separation centrifuges, while online continuous separation methods often fail to achieve the desired separation effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of centrifuge technology, and more specifically to an online continuous filtration centrifuge. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional centrifuges consist of centrifuge tubes (or centrifuge cylinders) containing a filter membrane. During centrifugation, the centrifuge tubes rotate, separating substances that can pass through the filter membrane from those that cannot. After each separation, the separated substances are discharged from their respective outlets. This method achieves good solution separation due to the prolonged rotation of the centrifugal structure within the centrifuge. However, this separation is a single-step process; once a separation is completed, the separated substances are discharged from their respective outlets, and a new solution is added for the next separation. This inability to achieve continuous online separation results in low separation efficiency. Furthermore, if online separation were implemented, meaning all outlets of the centrifuge were opened, there is a risk of unseparated solutions being directly discharged from outlets connected to the inlet pipe, thus failing to achieve the desired separation effect. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to provide an online continuous filtration centrifuge to solve the problems of low separation efficiency in current non-online continuous separation centrifuges and the inability to achieve the desired separation effect in online continuous separation methods.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] An online continuous filtration centrifuge includes a rotatable centrifuge tube. A filtration assembly is disposed within the centrifuge tube. The filtration assembly includes a hollow filtration membrane, comprising an upper membrane layer, a lower membrane layer, and a connecting portion that fixes the upper and lower membrane layers together, forming a hollow structure between the upper and lower membrane layers. The filtration assembly, when axially cut along the centrifuge tube, has multiple axially arranged U-shaped sections one and two. The openings of U-shaped sections one and two are opposite to each other, and the U-shaped sections one and two are staggered along the centrifuge tube's axial direction. A jacket is fixed inside the centrifuge tube, and the jacket has an annular hollow cavity. The openings of the U-shaped sections of the hollow filtration membrane all face and communicate with the hollow cavity. The jacket has an outlet pipe communicating with the hollow cavity, and a discharge pipe is connected to the bottom of the centrifuge tube.

[0006] The principle and advantages of this scheme are as follows: In practical applications, this scheme uses a hollow filter membrane and jacket inside the centrifuge tube to allow substances that permeate through the upper and lower membrane layers to enter the hollow cavity and be discharged along the outlet pipe during centrifugation; substances that cannot be filtered by the hollow filter membrane are discharged from the outlet pipe at the bottom of the centrifuge tube. Because the filter assembly, when cut along the axial direction of the centrifuge tube, has multiple U-shaped sections with openings of opposite directions and staggered arrangement, the entire filter assembly can be either composed of multiple hollow filter membranes stacked in a staggered manner or arranged in a spiral shape. Regardless of the method, this significantly increases the outer surface area of ​​the filter membrane, improving the contact area between the solution and the filter assembly. This greatly enhances the separation effect under the same centrifugal rotation conditions, ensuring smooth online continuous separation of the solution and improving centrifugation efficiency.

[0007] Preferably, as an improvement, the hollow filter membrane is spiral-shaped, and a fixing column is fixed inside the centrifuge tube. The fixing column is located on the central axis of the spiral hollow filter membrane, and the connecting part of the hollow filter membrane is attached to the fixing column. The cooperation between the hollow filter membrane, the fixing column, and the jacket forms a spiral space around the fixing column.

[0008] Beneficial effects: When using this scheme, after the hollow filter membrane is cut along the axial direction of the centrifuge tube, the spiral-shaped hollow filter membrane forms U-shaped section one and U-shaped section two on both sides of the fixed column. The openings of the two U-shaped sections are opposite to each other and communicate with the hollow cavity of the jacket, facilitating the entry of substances in the solution that can pass through the upper and lower membrane layers into the hollow structure of the hollow filter membrane, and finally discharged from the outlet pipe connected to the jacket. The combination of the spiral-shaped hollow filter membrane and the fixed column means that substances in the solution that cannot pass through the hollow filter membrane must move along the spiral space to move from the centrifuge tube opening to the bottom of the centrifuge tube, greatly extending the solution movement path and ensuring the effectiveness of solution separation.

[0009] In addition, the presence of the fixing column allows the hollow filter membrane to be fixed to both the fixing column and the jacket at the same time, improving the installation stability of the hollow filter membrane.

[0010] Preferably, as an improvement, the hollow filter membrane includes multiple left and right hollow filter membranes, which are located on opposite sides of the centrifuge tube along the axial direction. Both the left and right hollow filter membranes are connected to the hollow cavity of the jacket. The left and right hollow filter membranes are staggered along the axial direction of the centrifuge tube, and there is an overlapping area between their projections along the cross-section of the centrifuge tube. The left and right hollow filter membranes divide the centrifuge tube into an S-shaped space.

[0011] Beneficial effects: When using this scheme, the left and right hollow filter membranes, after being cut along the centrifuge tube axis, form U-shaped section one and U-shaped section two, respectively. The left and right hollow filter membranes are not only staggered along the centrifuge tube axis, but also projected onto the centrifuge tube cross section. This causes the left and right hollow filter membranes to divide the space inside the centrifuge tube into an S-shaped space. This means that substances in the solution that cannot penetrate the hollow filter membrane need to move along the S-shaped space to be discharged from the discharge tube, thus extending the solution's movement distance and improving the solution separation effect.

[0012] In addition, the structure of the left and right hollow filter membranes in this solution is simple and the manufacturing cost is low.

[0013] Preferably, as an improvement, the left and right hollow filter membranes are parallel and inclined. This allows the solution to experience greater filtration pressure during centrifugation, which is beneficial for improving the separation effect.

[0014] Preferably, as an improvement, the centrifuge tubes are of multiple types, and the centrifuge tubes also include a rotating frame. The rotating frame is provided with a feed pipe and multiple distribution pipes. The number of distribution pipes is the same as that of the centrifuge tubes. One end of each distribution pipe is connected to the feed pipe and the other end is connected to the corresponding centrifuge tube.

[0015] Beneficial effects: This solution allows the centrifuge to centrifuge multiple centrifuge tubes at a time, and the simultaneous centrifugation of multiple centrifuge tubes helps to improve production efficiency.

[0016] Preferably, as an improvement, it also includes a manifold, to which the outlet tubes of all centrifuge tubes are connected.

[0017] Preferably, as an improvement, the centrifuge tube is tilted so that the bottom of the centrifuge tube is far from the center of rotation during centrifugation.

[0018] Beneficial effects: By tilting the centrifuge tube, the angle between the force exerted on the solution during centrifugation and the upper or lower membrane layer of the hollow filter membrane is closer to 90°, which is beneficial to improving the separation effect. In addition, the bottom of the centrifuge tube is far away from the center of rotation during centrifugation, so the closer to the bottom of the centrifuge tube, the greater the centrifugal force on the solution, which is more conducive to separation. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a top view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a front sectional view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4This is a front sectional view of the centrifuge tube in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the spiral hollow filter membrane and the fixed column in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a front sectional view of the centrifuge tube in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method:

[0026] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: rotating frame 1, feed pipe 11, dispensing pipe 12, centrifuge tube 2, filter assembly 3, upper membrane layer 31, lower membrane layer 32, connecting part 33, left hollow filter membrane 301, right hollow filter membrane 302, fixing column 4, jacket 5, hollow cavity 51, liquid outlet pipe 6, discharge pipe 7, and manifold 8.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] Combination Figures 1 to 5 An online continuous filtration centrifuge includes a rotating frame 1 and multiple centrifuge tubes 2 fixed on the rotating frame 1. A feed pipe 11 and multiple distribution pipes 12 are fixed on the rotating frame 1. The number of distribution pipes 12 is the same as the number of centrifuge tubes 2. The top end of each distribution pipe 12 is connected to the feed pipe 11 and the bottom end is connected to a centrifuge tube 2. Each centrifuge tube 2 is inclined and the bottom of the centrifuge tube 2 is far away from the rotation center of the rotating frame 1. A filter assembly 3 is fixed inside each centrifuge tube 2. The multiple centrifuge tubes 2 are evenly distributed around the feed pipe 11.

[0029] In this embodiment, the filter assembly 3 includes a hollow filter membrane, which includes an upper membrane layer 31, a lower membrane layer 32, and a connecting portion 33 that fixes the upper and lower membrane layers 32 together. A hollow structure is formed between the upper membrane layer 31 and the lower membrane layer 32. In this embodiment, the hollow filter membrane is spiral-shaped. A fixing column 4 is fixed inside the centrifuge tube 2. The fixing column 4 is located on the central axis of the spiral-shaped hollow filter membrane. The connecting portion 33 of the hollow filter membrane is attached to and fixedly connected to the fixing column 4. The cooperation between the hollow filter membrane, the fixing column 4, and the jacket 5 forms a spiral space around the fixing column 4.

[0030] The hollow filter membrane, when axially cut along the centrifuge tube 2, has multiple U-shaped sections 1 and 2 arranged axially (the upper membrane layer 31, the connecting part 33, and the lower membrane layer 32 constitute the U-shaped sections). The openings of the first and second U-shaped sections are opposite to each other. The first and second U-shaped sections are staggered along the axial direction of the centrifuge tube 2. A jacket 5 is fixed inside the centrifuge tube 2. The jacket 5 is an annular column with an annular hollow cavity 51. A connecting hole is machined on the inner wall of the jacket 5 to connect with the hollow cavity 51. The opening of the U-shaped section of the hollow filter membrane is directly opposite the connecting hole and connects with the hollow cavity 51. An outlet pipe 6 connecting with the hollow cavity 51 is fixed on the jacket 5. The outlet pipe 6 penetrates the side wall of the centrifuge tube 2.

[0031] It also includes a manifold 8, to which the outlet pipes 6 on all centrifuge tubes 2 are connected, and the manifold 8 discharges the collected material to the next process. Each centrifuge tube 2 has a discharge pipe 7 connected to its bottom. Detailed implementation method:

[0033] During solution separation, the rotating frame 1 is driven by an external force to rotate continuously, which in turn causes all the centrifuge tubes 2 connected to the rotating frame 1 to rotate with the rotating frame 1, and each centrifuge tube 2 generates centrifugal force; at this time, the feed pipe 11 continuously enters the solution to be separated, and the solution to be separated enters each centrifuge tube 2 after passing through the powder pipe for centrifugation.

[0034] During centrifugation, all solutions move along the spiral space formed by the spiral hollow filter membrane and the fixed column 4. During this movement, the centrifugal force causes substances that can penetrate the upper membrane layer 31 and the lower membrane layer 32 of the hollow filter membrane to enter the U-shaped hollow structure of the hollow filter membrane, and then enter the hollow cavity 51 of the jacket 5. Finally, the solutions are discharged from the outlet pipe 6 to the manifold 8, which is then connected to the next process to continuously remove the substances. At the same time, solutions that cannot pass through the upper membrane layer 31 or the lower membrane layer 32 continue to move towards the bottom of the centrifuge tube 2 in a spiral motion. The closer to the bottom of the centrifuge tube 2, the fewer substances in the solution cannot pass through the hollow filter membrane. At the same time, because the centrifuge tube 2 is tilted, the centrifugal force on the solution is greater, so that the substances that reach the bottom of the centrifuge tube 2 have completed the separation from the solution.

[0035] Throughout the entire process described above, the outlet pipe 6 and the discharge pipe 7 remain open, enabling continuous online separation of the solution. Furthermore, the separation process requires the solution to move along the spiral space, which greatly extends the path of the solution from inlet to complete outlet, thus extending the separation time. This achieves continuous online filtration and separation, ensuring both the separation effect and improving the separation efficiency.

[0036] Example 2

[0037] Combination Figure 6The difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 is that the hollow filter membrane of the filter assembly 3 in this embodiment is not a spiral structure, but includes multiple left hollow filter membranes 301 and multiple right hollow filter membranes 302 fixed on the jacket 5. The left hollow filter membranes 301 and right hollow filter membranes 302 are located on both sides of the centrifuge tube 2. Each left hollow filter membrane 301 and right hollow filter membrane 302 also includes an upper membrane layer 31, a lower membrane layer 32, and a connecting part 33 that fixes the upper and lower membrane layers 32. The left hollow filter membranes 301 and right hollow filter membranes 302 are connected to the hollow cavity 51 of the jacket 5. The left hollow filter membranes 301 and right hollow filter membranes 302 are staggered along the axial direction of the centrifuge tube 2. The projections of the left hollow filter membranes 301 and right hollow filter membranes 302 along the cross-section of the centrifuge tube 2 have overlapping areas. The left hollow filter membranes 301 and right hollow filter membranes 302 divide the centrifuge tube 2 to form an S-shaped space, so as to extend the path during solution separation and improve the separation effect.

[0038] In addition, the left hollow filter membrane 301 and the right hollow filter membrane 302 are parallel and tilted, so that the solution can be subjected to greater filtration pressure when the centrifuge tube 2 is centrifuged, which is beneficial to improving the separation effect.

[0039] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention, and common knowledge such as specific technical solutions and / or characteristics are not described in detail here. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the technical solutions of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. These modifications and improvements will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. An online continuous filtration centrifuge, comprising a rotatable centrifuge tube, wherein a filter assembly is disposed within the centrifuge tube, characterized in that: The filter assembly includes a hollow filter membrane, which comprises an upper membrane layer, a lower membrane layer, and a connecting part that fixes the upper and lower membrane layers together, forming a hollow structure between the upper and lower membrane layers. The filter assembly, when cut along the axial direction of the centrifuge tube, has multiple U-shaped sections I and II arranged axially. The openings of U-shaped sections I and II are opposite to each other, and U-shaped sections I and II are staggered along the axial direction of the centrifuge tube. A jacket is fixed inside the centrifuge tube, and the jacket has an annular hollow cavity. The openings of the U-shaped sections of the hollow filter membrane all face the hollow cavity and communicate with it. The jacket has an outlet pipe that communicates with the hollow cavity, and the bottom of the centrifuge tube is connected to a discharge pipe.

2. The online continuous filtration centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow filter membrane is spiral-shaped, and a fixed column is fixed inside the centrifuge tube. The fixed column is located on the central axis of the spiral hollow filter membrane, and the connecting part of the hollow filter membrane is attached to the fixed column. The cooperation between the hollow filter membrane, the fixed column, and the jacket forms a spiral space around the fixed column.

3. The online continuous filtration centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow filter membrane includes multiple left and right hollow filter membranes, which are located on opposite sides of the centrifuge tube along its axial direction. Both the left and right hollow filter membranes are connected to the hollow cavity of the jacket. The left and right hollow filter membranes are staggered along the axial direction of the centrifuge tube, and there is an overlapping area between their projections along the cross-section of the centrifuge tube. The left and right hollow filter membranes divide the centrifuge tube into an S-shaped space.

4. The online continuous filtration centrifuge according to claim 3, characterized in that: The left and right hollow filter membranes are parallel, and the left and right hollow filter membranes are inclined.

5. The online continuous filtration centrifuge according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The centrifuge tubes are of multiple types, and the centrifuge tubes also include a rotating frame. The rotating frame is equipped with a feed pipe and multiple distribution pipes. The number of distribution pipes is the same as that of the centrifuge tubes. One end of each distribution pipe is connected to the feed pipe and the other end is connected to the corresponding centrifuge tube.

6. The online continuous filtration centrifuge according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes manifolds, with the outlet tubes on all centrifuge tubes connected to the manifolds.

7. The online continuous filtration centrifuge according to claim 5, characterized in that: The centrifuge tubes are tilted, with the bottom of the tubes far from the center of rotation during centrifugation.

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