Separator insert and separator

Abstract

The invention relates to a separator insert for a separator, which is designed for separating a flowable suspension (S) into at least two flowable, differently dense phases (LP, HP) in a centrifugal field and has: - a housing (1), which is stationary in operation, which is designed in the manner of a container, which is closed in terms of a plurality of openings, which are designed as an inlet (8) for the inflowing suspension on an axially first delimiting wall (6) of the housing (1), as two outlets (10, 11) for the flowable, differently dense phases (LP, HP) on the outer skin of the housing (1) and as a recirculation inlet (9) on an axially second delimiting wall (7) of the housing (1), - a rotor comprising a bowl (3), which is arranged within the housing (1) and can be rotated about a rotation axis (D), which likewise has a plurality of openings, a separating mechanism is arranged in the bowl (3), and - at least two rotor units (4b, 5b) for magnetic bearing means (4, 5) on two axially spaced-apart positions of the rotor (2) comprising the bowl (3), with which the rotor (2) comprising the bowl (3) can be held in a suspended state within the housing in operation, can be rotatably supported and can be set in rotation, using the magnetic bearing means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a separator insert for a separator and a separator having such a separator insert. Background Technology

[0002] In the context of this document, a separator is used to separate flowable suspended solids, as an initial product, into phases of different densities in a centrifugal field. In a variety of applications, steam sterilization of the separator is required. The relatively "small" steam-sterilizable separator with disc arrays introduced to the market by the applicant is a 6000m³ separator. 2 The equivalent clarifying separator is the "CSC 6". However, in some cases, such as in the laboratory, this machine is still relatively large. Commercially available known separators, including disc assemblies, are driven by a spindle, which in turn is driven by a motor, either directly or via a transmission mechanism. Furthermore, known machines are made of stainless steel. For these reasons, filters are currently used very frequently in laboratories instead of centrifuges. In separators comprising disc assemblies and disposable components made of plastic (disposable technology – pre-qualified plastic parts for single use), steam sterilization (SIP – Sterilization in Place) is not required. Such separators may be particularly suitable for use in biotechnology.

[0003] A separator for separating a flowable product into different phases is known from WO 2014 / 000829 A1. This separator has a rotatable drum comprising a lower and upper section, and a mechanism disposed within the drum for handling suspended solids in a centrifugal field or for separating a heavier solid phase from a lighter phase in a centrifugal field. One, more, or all of the following elements are made of plastic or a plastic composite: the lower drum, the upper drum, and the clarification mechanism. This allows for the design of a portion, preferably even the entire drum—preferably together with the input and output systems or areas—for single-use purposes. This is particularly interesting and advantageous for the handling of pharmaceutical products (such as fermentation broths or the like), because during the processing of a batch of products, preferably continuously, after each batch, the parts of the drum that come into contact with the product do not need to be decontaminated; the entire drum can be replaced. Therefore, this separator is highly advantageous from a hygienic point of view. In order to achieve physical separation between the disposable drum and the drive unit, a contactless connector between the drive unit and the drum is advantageous.

[0004] A further improvement is shown in DE 10 2017 128 027, of the same type. Here, the bearing assembly is constructed as a magnetic bearing, and one of the magnetic bearing assemblies is preferably also used as a drive device for rotating a drum that remains suspended in operation. This eliminates the need for mechanical components for rotating and supporting the drum, which is advantageous for constructing a separator that includes a single-use separator insert, as the replacement of this insert is very simple. The present invention also utilizes these advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In this context, the objective of the present invention is to configure, in similar separator inserts—which can be used as or constructed as disposable elements—in a way that allows for better control of the separation process. Preferably, it is also desirable to provide, in a simple manner, a feasibility that allows for adjustment of the concentration of the separated heavy phase or the clarity of the light phase.

[0006] This invention addresses this task through a separator insert for a separator, the separator insert being designed to separate flowable suspensions into at least two flowable phases of different densities in a centrifugal field and having the following characteristics:

[0007] a) A shell stationary during operation, the shell being designed as a container, the container being closed except for openings, wherein these openings are designed as follows: as inlets for the inflow of suspended matter on a first boundary wall in the axial direction of the shell, as two outlets on the outer shell of the shell for flowable phases of different densities, and as recirculation inlets on a second boundary wall in the axial direction of the shell.

[0008] b) A rotor comprising a drum disposed within a housing and rotatable about a rotation axis, the drum having openings, wherein one or more first and second openings of the drum serve as free radial outlets for light and heavy phases into the housing, and at each of the two axial ends of the drum, an inlet pipe extends into two additional openings of the drum, the inlet pipe not contacting the drum.

[0009] c) A separation mechanism is installed in the rotating drum, and

[0010] d) At least two rotor units for a magnetic bearing device are provided at two axially spaced positions of the rotor including the drum, by means of which the rotor including the drum can be kept in a suspended state within the housing during operation, supported in a rotatable manner and placed in rotation.

[0011] The separation process can be controlled exceptionally well thanks to the structurally advantageous placement of recirculation inlets in the drum and the shell.

[0012] The opening of the rotating drum is therefore advantageously configured to accommodate the opening of the housing from a).

[0013] Preferably, the separator insert forms a pre-assembled, replaceable unit for insertion into the stator unit on the separator frame. In interaction, the rotor and stator unit form a magnetic bearing assembly. Using this magnetic bearing assembly, the drum can be supported axially and radially and held in a suspended state.

[0014] "In operation" means during the centrifugal process while the rotor is rotating.

[0015] For simplicity and practicality, it is preferable that the rotor unit is located at the two axial ends of the rotating drum and the two corresponding stator units are mounted on the separator frame. This forms a magnetic bearing assembly at the two axial ends of the rotating drum.

[0016] Here, at least one of the two magnetic bearing devices preferably also constitutes a rotary drive for the drum, wherein the drive is also suitable for driving the drum at a freely adjustable speed or a freely selectable direction of rotation. Preferably, one or both magnetic bearing devices act radially and axially in a supporting manner and hold the rotor in a suspended state spaced apart from the container during operation.

[0017] Particularly advantageous and practical is the configuration of the separator insert as a pre-assembled unit. It can also be configured such that all components of the insert that come into contact with the product are made of plastic or another non-magnetic material, and the insert can be replaced as a whole and completely removed after use. This eliminates the need for purification and, if necessary, steam sterilization of the separator insert.

[0018] Each of the input tubes may advantageously extend axially through one of the magnetic bearing devices, wherein it is also possible for the input tubes to coaxially surround and jointly extend axially through only one of the magnetic bearing devices.

[0019] The corresponding bearing assembly can act with permanent magnets and / or electromagnetic force, and the bearing assembly, in addition to providing radial support, also provides axial support and / or rotational drive for the drum.

[0020] According to a preferred design, one or more capture annular chambers of the housing are configured to provide two outlets for flowable phases of different densities, so that the phases can be collected separately in the housing before being discharged from the housing as they are discharged from the rotating drum.

[0021] The structure can be further simplified by forming the inlet with a non-rotatable input tube that extends outward from the housing towards a first side (especially upward when the axis of rotation is vertical) at one end, and passes through a first axial limiting wall and extends through the magnetic bearing into the rotating cylinder, but does not contact the rotating cylinder therein. The input tube is preferably hermetically sealed within the housing or integrally formed with the housing.

[0022] It can be further configured such that the inlet pipe passes through the housing cocentrically with the rotor's axis of rotation, then extends axially further within the housing into a rotatable drum, where it terminates at its other end—the free outlet end—before or within a distributor that rotates with the drum. Through this inlet pipe, suspended matter is guided into the centrifugal space.

[0023] Then, it can be configured in another simple implementation form, wherein the rotating drum has at least two sections of different diameters and is used to export phases of corresponding different densities from the rotating drum to the sections of different diameters, and at least one or more discharge ports are provided in the shell of the rotating drum, each discharge port having one or more openings (especially nozzle-shaped openings) in the shell of the rotating drum and thereby forming a free discharge port in the corresponding capture annular chamber.

[0024] The rotating cylinder can be constructed in a single conical or double conical shape. The rotating cylinder can also have one or more cylindrical sections. Furthermore, the rotating cylinder can be assembled from multiple parts, particularly an upper and lower section, wherein these parts are preferably connected to each other (e.g., by adhesive or welding) after the installation of internal components and the assembly of said internal components. Similarly, the housing can be assembled from multiple parts, particularly an upper and lower section, wherein these parts are preferably connected to each other (e.g., by adhesive or welding) after the installation of internal components (especially the rotor) and the assembly of said internal components.

[0025] Typically, one of the outlets is located on the section of the rotating drum with the largest internal diameter, and the other outlet is located on the section of the rotating drum with a relatively smaller diameter.

[0026] According to another suitable design, outlets for the respective lighter or heavier phases can be formed at the deepest point of the corresponding capture annular chamber. These outlets may have nozzles on the outside of the housing, which are sealingly formed on the outer periphery of the housing, thus allowing for easy connection of hoses or the like. The hoses may also be pre-assembled onto the nozzles, so that the nozzles are intact and sterilely sealed when needed. The nozzles may extend, for example, radially, tangentially, or obliquely in the radial direction.

[0027] Then, according to a preferred design, the lighter phase or the heavier phase discharged from one of the outlets can be pumped out of the housing via a discharge section using a pump, and a branch line is provided that leads to the recirculation inlet, thereby forming a recirculation line for returning at least a portion of the lighter or heavier phase to the rotary drum. Returning the lighter or heavier phase to the input pipe can also be suitable for a specific application. This significantly improves the controllability or adjustability of the separation process. Preferably, the heavier phase is recirculated, as this achieves particularly advantageous results.

[0028] This can be configured in a structurally simple variant whereby the lighter or heavier phase to be recycled can be pumped into the drum using a pump.

[0029] In another design configuration, which is structurally advantageous and compact, the recirculation inlet has a second input pipe that penetrates the axial second boundary wall of the housing and leads into a second distributor within the rotating drum that does not rotate with the drum during operation. This distributor facilitates the transfer of the recirculated phase into the rotating drum. The input pipe and distributor can also be manufactured as a single component. The distributor causes a reversal in either the radial or circumferential direction.

[0030] The input pipe can also be sealed into the housing on its outer periphery or formed as a single piece with the housing.

[0031] A controllable regulating valve can then be appropriately and advantageously configured, allowing the recirculation inlet to be shut off or fully or partially opened. By manipulating the regulating valve, an accurately metered portion of the heavier solid phase HP can be diverted back into the rotary drum. This optimizes the separation process.

[0032] Optionally, at least one measuring device may be provided, which can be used to determine the parameters of the first phase and / or the second phase, and / or a control device may be further provided, which can be used, in particular, for open-loop or closed-loop control recirculation, utilizing one or more results measured by the measuring device. Optionally, the regulating valve can be operated within the regulated range by measuring a parameter for this purpose.

[0033] The measured values ​​of the second phase HP, such as its density, turbidity, and flow rate, are transmitted to the control device, which can then use an adjustment algorithm to adjust the regulating valve to a determined opening diameter.

[0034] Further optimization is possible by incorporating a separation mechanism, particularly a disc assembly, within the rotating drum.

[0035] This separator is suitable for operation at varying and relatively high speeds. Furthermore, it is also well-suited for single-processing (e.g., for centrifuging product batches of flowable fermentation broth—from, for example, 100 I to several thousand, for example, 4000 I—suspension of solids—into different phases) and subsequently removed. A particular advantage here is that all product-contacting components of the separator can be loaded, operated, and subsequently removed as prefabricated and sterile units. These prefabricated units consist at least of a rotor including a drum, a separating disc, an input distributor, and a rotor magnet, or rotor unit, and a housing including an inlet and an outlet. Additionally, the unit may further include inlet and outlet lines (e.g., hoses) and measuring devices or other product-contacting components, designed for single use and removed along with the separator unit after use.

[0036] Another advantage is that, in addition to the first axial bearing oriented vertically below along the axis of rotation (e.g., on the opposite end of the drum or, if necessary, within the drum), another axial bearing can be provided. This allows the axis of rotation of the drum to be arranged vertically, but alternatively, advantageously inclined from the vertical. Here, any arrangement of the axis of rotation is feasible. That is, the axis of rotation can be inclined from the vertical at an angle of, for example, 30-60° (e.g., 45°) or horizontally oriented—that is, oriented at an angle of 90° relative to the vertical. Furthermore, it is also feasible to rotate the entire arrangement by 180°, thereby allowing the opening to be positioned below and the conical separation disc to open upwards—without causing problems with the support of the drum.

[0037] By considering "the first vertical orientation of the axis of rotation" here or below, this means that the position of the centrifuge components with the vertical orientation along the axis of rotation can be achieved. However, in practice, the axis of rotation can also be oriented with an inclination towards the vertical orientation. Then, preferably, the outlets of phases LP and HP are respectively positioned at the vertically deepest point of the corresponding capture annular chamber.

[0038] Further advantageously, one of the bearings and / or drive units is designed to radially support the drum at its lower end in a vertical first orientation and place it in rotation.

[0039] Furthermore, it can be advantageously configured that the housing has only openings for the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, and is otherwise sealed shut. For this purpose, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe can be configured to extend outward from the housing in the form of connecting pipes, which are either sealed to the housing or integrally formed with the housing.

[0040] The present invention also provides a separator comprising a frame and a replaceable separator insert as described in one of the related claims.

[0041] This makes it easy to provide a separator having a disposable module comprising disposable components “rotary drum” and “housing”, while at least the frame, bearings and drive unit can be reused.

[0042] This invention enables the manufacture of a separator in which disposable separator inserts can be used. These inserts are preferably configured such that all components in contact with the product are made of plastic or another non-magnetic material, and these components can be removed after a single use. This eliminates the need for post-use purification. The machine and its operation can thus become significantly more advantageous. Magnets can be recycled if necessary.

[0043] The entire separator insert is supplied as a sealed unit after its manufacture, preventing contaminants from entering. For this purpose, the connector can be sealed and detachably closed. This allows for the installation of a hose section at the connector, which has an openable and closable connector, through which the separator module, or the separator insert here, can be connected to other components of the inlet and outlet system, such as bags, tanks, hoses, or pipes.

[0044] What is simple and reliable here is that the bearing assembly is formed by spaced-apart receiving portions on the frame, and the separator insert can be replaced between the receiving portions in a torsion-resistant manner.

[0045] For this purpose, the relative distance between the receiving parts can be adjusted on the control panel so that the separator insert can be replaced.

[0046] Further, the separator insert can be torsionally secured to the frame using form-locking and / or force-locking methods. In a particularly simple variation, the housing and at least one or all of the aforementioned receiving parts have corresponding form-locking mechanisms to torsionally hold the housing to the frame, or rather, the one or more stator units. The stator units of the frame thus, for example, each have multiple pins projecting axially, and the corresponding separator insert may have corresponding blind holes (not shown here) extending axially in the housing as a clearance.

[0047] The positions of these corresponding form-locking mechanisms also define the functionally required positions of the stator units 4a, 5a and the rotor units 4b, 5b relative to each other. This particularly relates to the accurate centering of the units 4a, 5a and 4b, 5b, which are coaxially positioned relative to each other. Here, a retaining force (from above and below) can be applied to the housing, if necessary, also in the axial direction, through the receiving portion, so as to retain the housing in a force-locking manner if necessary.

[0048] The corresponding locking mechanism can be set symmetrically or asymmetrically to ensure that the separator insert can only be installed in a single orientation.

[0049] Furthermore, at least one control device can be provided, which can be used to control the amount of recirculation of the light or heavy phase in an open-loop or closed-loop manner, especially when using one or more results of measurements using a measuring device. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The invention is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in which other advantageous variations and designs are also discussed. It should be emphasized that the embodiments discussed below are not intended to definitively describe the invention, but rather that variations and equivalents not shown can also be implemented and fall within the scope of the claims. In the drawings:

[0051] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a replaceable separator insert is shown, along with a schematic diagram of the separator or separator insert's input and discharge system and control unit.

[0052] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of separators of various types, including reusable racks and replaceable separator inserts;

[0053] Figure 3 The diagram shows the hose section disposed thereon. Figure 1 and 2 Perspective view of the replaceable separator insert;

[0054] Figure 4 The diagram shows the separator insert, including the removable one. Figure 2 A perspective view of the separator; Detailed Implementation

[0055] Figure 2 A separator is shown, comprising a reusable frame I and a replaceable separator insert II for centrifugally separating a product—a suspension S—into phases HP and LP of different densities.

[0056] Separator insert II is preferably configured as a prefabricated unit. In particular, separator insert II is configured as a disposable separator insert that is entirely or mostly constructed of plastic or plastic composite material and is designed as a pre-assembled unit that is replaceable as a whole or as a replaceable unit.

[0057] Separator inserts are exemplarily located individually in Figure 1 and 3As shown in the diagram. The separator insert can be removed after processing a batch of products and can be replaced with a new separator insert II.

[0058] Such a separator may be suitable and advantageous when processing products in which it is necessary to exclude contaminants from entering the product—flowable suspended matter or its phase—during centrifugation with a very high degree of safety, or in which the purification and sterilization of the separator is very complex or completely impossible.

[0059] The frame I has a control console I-1. This control console may—but is not required—be supported on a carriage I-2 including rollers I-3. Receiving portions I-4 and I-5 may be provided on the control console I-1 for receiving and holding the separator insert II during operation. Preferably, a first axial end of the separator insert II extends from below into the upper receiving portion I-4, and a lower end of the separator insert II extends from above into another receiving portion I-5.

[0060] The corresponding stator units 4a and 5a of the two drive and magnetic bearing devices 4 and 5 can be installed in the corresponding receiving sections I-4 and I-5. Control and power electronic devices can be installed in the frame I, such as the control console I-1.

[0061] Here, the receiving parts I-4 and I-5 extend laterally from the control console I-1 of the rack I. The receiving parts are height-adjustable on the control console I-1.

[0062] Corresponding locking mechanisms 41a and 41b can be configured at the receiving parts I-4 and I-5 and at the housing 1 of the separator insert II, which does not rotate during operation, so that the separator insert II can be torsionally inserted into the stator units 4a and 5a. The upper and lower stator units 4a and 5a can each have mutually aligned axes.

[0063] For the purpose of replacing the separator insert II, the two receiving parts I-4 and I-5, together with the stator units 4a and 5a, are axially movable relative to each other—and here exemplarily also vertically—on the frame I-1.

[0064] In this configuration, it can be advantageously arranged, for example, that the receiving portions I-4 and I-5, together with the stator units 4a and 5a, can axially separate from each other on the frame I and then move towards each other again to replace the separator insert II, i.e., to remove the old separator insert II from the frame I and replace it with a new separator insert. For this purpose, it can be further configured that the relative distance between the receiving portions I-4 and I-5 of the stator units 4a and 5a, including the bearing assemblies 4 and 5, is adjustable so that the separator insert II can be replaced.

[0065] Further configuration is possible, whereby the separator insert II can be torsionally secured to the frame I via form-locking and / or force-locking. According to a particularly simple variation, the housing 1 and stator units 4a, 5a can have corresponding form-locking mechanisms, such as protrusions (e.g., pins) and gaps (e.g., drilled holes), to torsionally hold the housing 1 to the stator units and thereby to hold it to the frame II. The corresponding form-locking mechanisms can also be directly constructed onto the frame II.

[0066] Next, refer to Figure 1 Further explanation is provided regarding the construction of the preferred separator insert II, together with the construction of the separator drive and bearing system, the separator control device, and the separator input and discharge system.

[0067] according to Figure 1 The separator insert II of the separator has a housing 1 and a rotor 2 installed in the housing 1 that can rotate relative to the housing 1 during operation.

[0068] Rotor 2 has a rotation axis D. This rotation axis can be oriented vertically.

[0069] The rotor 2 of the separator insert II also has a rotatable drum 3. The rotor 2 is rotatably supported by corresponding magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 at positions spaced apart from each other along the direction of the rotation axis. Preferably, the rotor is supported at the ends of its two axial axes in this manner. The separator insert here has rotor units 4b, 5b with magnetic bearing devices 4, 5. Stator units 4a, 5a with magnetic bearing devices 4, 5 are arranged opposite to them on the frame I-1.

[0070] The magnetic bearing devices 4 and 5 preferably act radially and axially and hold the rotor 2, preferably in the housing 1, in a suspended state spaced apart from the housing.

[0071] Here, rotor units 4b and 5b can be configured essentially as inner rings made of magnets, especially permanent magnets, and reusable stator units 4a and 5a can be configured essentially as outer rings for supporting rotor 2 in the axial and radial directions (e.g. above) or alternatively for rotary drive (e.g. below).

[0072] Therefore, rotor units 4b and / or 5b, as components of the separator drive unit, are also part of the rotating system or rotor. In other words, the rotor of the drive unit is part of the centrifugal separator's rotating drum.

[0073] One or both of the magnetic bearing devices 4 and 5 are therefore preferably also utilized as a drive device for rotating the rotor 2, including the drum 3, within the housing 1. In this case, the respective magnetic bearing devices constitute a combined magnetic bearing and drive device. The magnetic bearing devices 4 and 5 can be configured as axial and / or radial bearings that generally cooperate in supporting the drum 3 axially and radially at its ends during operation and generally keep it suspended and rotating during operation.

[0074] Magnetic bearing devices 4 and 5 can be configured in a similar or largely identical manner in their basic structure. Specifically, one of the two magnetic bearing devices 4 and 5 can also be used as a drive unit. Therefore, the corresponding components of magnetic bearings 4 and 5 are respectively constructed on the separator insert II—on its rotor 2—and other corresponding components are constructed on the frame I. One or both stator units 4a and 5a can also be electrically connected to control and power electronic devices for operating the electromagnetic components of the magnetic bearing devices.

[0075] Each magnetic bearing device 4 and 5 can operate, for example, according to the combined electromagnetic and permanent magnet principles.

[0076] Preferably, at least the lower axially acting magnetic bearing device 5 is used to hold the rotor 2 in a suspended state axially within the housing 1 by a levitation effect. The magnetic bearing device may, for example, have one or more first permanent magnets on the underside of the rotor and, furthermore, an electromagnet on a receiving portion of the frame, the electromagnet coaxially surrounding the one or more permanent magnets. The rotor can be driven electromagnetically, but it can also be driven by rotating permanent magnets.

[0077] Such bearings and drive units are used, for example, by Levitronix for driving centrifugal pumps (EP 2 273124 B1). The bearings and drive units can also be used within the scope of this document. For example, a first Levitronix motor can be installed "below" as the drive unit, which simultaneously magnetically supports the drum radially and axially. Furthermore, a second Levitronix motor—e.g., structurally identical except for control during operation—can be provided, which can act as a magnetic bearing 4 to support the rotor 2 radially and axially at the head.

[0078] The rotor speed can be variably adjusted by means of control device 37 or a separate control device for magnetic bearings 4 and 5. Similarly, the rotation direction of rotor 2 can be predetermined and changed by means of control device.

[0079] Rotor 2 rotates during operation. Here, the rotor is thus held axially in suspension and radially centered. Preferably, rotor 2, together with drum 3, operates at a speed between 1000, preferably 5000 to 10000, and if necessary, up to 20000 revolutions per minute. The centrifugal force generated by rotation causes the suspended matter to be processed to undergo separation and extraction of the phases LP and HP of different flowable densities, as described above, as further explained below. Here, the product batch is processed in continuous operation, meaning that the phases separated from the suspended matter are completely extracted from the drum during operation.

[0080] It is therefore highly feasible to provide a separator insert along with the housing, the separator insert being designed generally for single use. This is particularly interesting and advantageous for the processing of pharmaceutical products such as fermentation broths or the like, because during the processing of product batches, preferably in continuous operation, there is no need for drum purification after the operation used to process the corresponding product batch, as the entire separator insert is replaceable. Individual components such as magnets can be appropriately recycled if necessary (see also DE 10 2017 128 027 A1).

[0081] The housing 1 is preferably made of plastic or a plastic composite material. The housing 1 may be cylindrical and have a cylindrical outer shell, with two radially extending boundary walls 6, 7 (cover and bottom) formed at the ends of the outer shell.

[0082] The rotating drum 3 is used to centrifuge and separate the flowable suspended matter S into at least two phases LP and HP with different densities in a centrifugal field. The phases may be, for example, a lighter liquid phase and a heavier solid phase or a heavier liquid phase.

[0083] In a preferred design, rotor 2 and its drum 3 have a vertical axis of rotation D. However, housing 1 and rotor 2 may also be oriented differently in space. The following description refers to the vertical orientation shown. In another orientation in space, the multiple orientations change together corresponding to the new orientation. Furthermore, if necessary, one or two outlets—to be discussed further—may be arranged differently.

[0084] The rotor 2 of the separator, including the rotating drum, is preferably made of plastic or plastic composite material.

[0085] The rotating drum 3 is preferably partially cylindrical and / or conical in any case. A similar case applies to other components in the rotor 2 and on the housing 1 (except for the components of the magnetic bearing devices 4 and 5).

[0086] The shell 1 is designed in the form of a container, which is advantageously sealed except for a few openings / opening areas (to be discussed further). These openings are an inlet 8 in the first axial boundary wall 6 (here above), a recirculation inlet 9 in the second axial boundary wall 7 (here below), and two outlets 10, 11 in the peripheral outer shell or peripheral outer wall of the shell 1.

[0087] The rotating drum 3 has the same opening, which is functionally configured to serve as an opening for the housing.

[0088] The first and second openings of the rotating drum 3 (which may be distributed around the periphery of the rotating drum 3, thus allowing for multiple first and second openings to be provided on the rotating drum 3 respectively) serve as radial discharge outlets 21 and 22. The inlet pipes 12 and 32 extend, respectively, into two additional openings 12a and 32a at the two axial ends of the rotating drum 3 in a manner further explained.

[0089] The inlet 8 is advantageously formed by a non-rotatable input tube 12, which extends outwardly from the housing 1 at one end and extends through the upper limiting wall 6 into the rotating cylinder 3, but does not contact the rotating cylinder 3 therein. On its outer periphery, the input tube 12 is sealed into the housing 1—e.g., by welding or gluing—or, if necessary, implemented as a single piece of plastic injection molded with the housing. The input tube is preferably also made of plastic.

[0090] The input pipe 12 passes co-centered with the rotation axis of the rotor 2 through the housing 1 and the magnetic bearing 4, and then extends axially further into the opening 12a of the rotatable drum 3 within the housing 1, where it terminates at its other end—the free discharge end—within the drum 3.

[0091] Therefore, the opening 12 of the housing—the inlet pipe—is functionally configured to provide opening 12a for the rotating drum.

[0092] The inlet pipe 12 leads through the rotating drum 3 into a distributor 13 that rotates with the drum 3. The distributor 13 has a tubular distributor shaft 14 and a distributor bottom 15. One or more distributor channels 16 are formed in the distributor bottom 15. A stack of separation discs 17, which are conical in shape here, can be placed on the distributor 13. The distributor 13 and the separation discs 17 are preferably both made of plastic.

[0093] The rotating drum 3 has sections with different diameters, thereby allowing the extraction of phases with different densities to be carried out on different diameters.

[0094] In a preferred—but not mandatory—design, the rotating cylinder 3 here has at least two cylindrical sections 18, 19 with different diameters. Adjacent to these sections, one or more conical transition regions can be formed on the rotating cylinder 3. The rotating cylinder 3 can also be generally constructed as a single cone or double cone in its intermediate axial region (not shown here). The derivation of the heavier phase HP is then carried out particularly at the largest inner diameter.

[0095] As shown, the rotating drum 3 may have a lower cylindrical section 20 with a smaller diameter, in which the rotor unit 5b of the lower magnetic bearing is also formed. This lower cylindrical section transitions into a conical region 20a, where the rotating drum then has, for example, a cylindrical region 19 with a larger diameter, followed by a conical region 18a and then an upper cylindrical section 18 with a smaller diameter, in which the rotor unit 4b of the upper magnetic bearing 4 is formed.

[0096] Here, to facilitate the extraction of phases of different densities from the rotating drum 3, two or more outlets 21, 22 are provided in the outer shell of the rotating drum 3 in sections 18, 19 with different diameters. These outlets 21, 22 may further preferably be one or more openings, particularly nozzle-shaped openings, formed in the outer shell of the rotating drum 3. The outlets thus serve as a so-called "free" outlet design.

[0097] Here, the first outlet 21 in the smaller diameter section 18 is used to vent the lighter phase LP, and the second outlet 22 in the larger diameter section—the “largest” here—section 19 is used to vent the heavier phase HP.

[0098] The phase discharged from the rotating drum 3 is collected in the housing 1 in capture annular chambers 23 and 24 that are axially offset from each other. These capture annular chambers 23 and 24 are designed such that the phase collected therein is guided to one of the outlets 10 and 11 of the respective capture annular chamber 23 and 24. This is achieved by positioning the respective outlets 10 and 11 at the deepest point of the respective capture annular chamber 23 and 24. The capture annular chambers 23 and 24 are radially inwardly opened and configured such that the liquid ejected from the respective outlet 21 or 22 is injected substantially only into the corresponding capture annular chamber 23 and 24—which are horizontally aligned with the same axial direction—during centrifugal separation.

[0099] Optionally, a third chamber 25, not used for exiting the phase, may be constructed below the second capture annular chamber 24. This chamber 25 may optionally have a leakage outlet (not shown here).

[0100] The first and second capture annular chambers 23 and 24 can be separated from each other by a conical first wall 26, which extends conically inward and upward from the outer shell of the housing 1 and terminates radially before the rotating cylinder 3, spaced apart from it.

[0101] The second capture annular chamber 24 can be limited downwards by a conical wall 27, which extends conically inwards and upwards from the outer shell of the housing 1 and terminates internally at a radial distance from the rotating cylinder 3.

[0102] Preferably, at the deepest point of the respective capture annular chamber, the respective product phases LP and HP are discharged from the housing 1 through the respective outlets 10, 11. Connectors can be externally disposed on the housing 1 in the areas of the respective outlets 10, 11 for easy connection of tubing and the like. These tubing and the like can then be directly incorporated into the housing or glued to the housing. The connectors are preferably also made of plastic. The housing 1 can be assembled from multiple plastic parts, which are sealed together, for example, by gluing or welding.

[0103] Here, it is further configured that one of the two product phases LP and HP, preferably the heavier product phase HP of the two derived product phases LP and HP, can be partially recycled back into the rotating drum 3.

[0104] Specifically, it can be configured to pump the heavy phase HP out from outlet 11 via pump 28 and pipe 29. Pipe 29 can be configured as a flexible hose.

[0105] The pipeline can be constructed as a hose, which may optionally also have a buffer container or buffer bag on the suction side of the pump.

[0106] In this configuration, branch pipe 30 branches off from pipe 29.

[0107] The branch line 30 can also be constructed as a flexible hose. Not only the branch line 30, but also (along the flow direction) the line 29 following the branch to the branch line 30 can have a controllable, especially electrically controllable, regulating valve 31. The regulating valve can have open and closed positions as well as intermediate positions (partially open, etc.).

[0108] Branch pipe 30 leads to recirculation inlet 9, which can be located at the second end of the rotating drum 3 and housing 1 opposite to the inlet—below here—instead of the inlet. This forms a recirculation line through which the heavy phase HP can be returned to the rotating drum 3.

[0109] The recirculation inlet 9 has a second inlet pipe 32, which is similar to the first inlet pipe 12 (but extends from below) through a radially extending second boundary wall 7 into the rotating drum 3 and terminates there in and / or connects to the second distributor 33, whose distributor channel 34 extends radially. The second inlet pipe is also non-rotatably configured and is sealed to the housing 1.

[0110] Therefore, two distributors 13 and 33 are provided. Preferably, the first distributor 13 rotates with the drum 3 during operation, while the second distributor 33 does not rotate with the drum during operation. The phase to be recirculated—here, HP—is pumped back into the drum via the second distributor.

[0111] The second distributor 33 can be configured as a non-rotatable distributor disc, which can be oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation and can further have one or more radially extending distributor channels 34 disposed thereon, through which the returned phase HP is radially outward upon entering the rotating drum 3 and therein preferably pumped into the drum along the circumference and rotational direction of the drum. The distributor channels 34 can be suitably configured to extend helically within the distributor 33 along the direction of rotation during operation.

[0112] Here, the disc-shaped distributor 33 protrudes radially into the rotating drum so that, by means of the distributor, liquid can be transferred into the rotating drum 3 in such a way that no liquid is discharged axially through the lower opening 32a of the drum. Instead, the liquid flowing from the distributor is accelerated to a circumferential speed within the drum through the drum—for example, by means of ribs / channels not shown.

[0113] The lighter phase LP exits the rotating drum 3 at a radius of ro. The phase then flows from there—based on its momentum swirling in the capture chamber 23—through the outlet 10 on top of the housing 1.

[0114] Next, a brief explanation of the operation of separator 21 will be given.

[0115] First, a separator is provided, comprising components that are reusable or can be reused. This includes the frame I and the drive and stator units 4a and 5a of the magnetic bearing assembly. Furthermore, the control unit 37 is included.

[0116] Then, the separator insert II is provided and assembled on rack I.

[0117] The separator insert may preferably also have at least hoses and connectors that can be connected to other pipelines and containers (such as bags, tanks, pumps and the like) (not shown here).

[0118] Then, after connecting the tubing and hoses and the like, the suspended matter is guided into a rotating drum (inlet 8) and there it is centrifugally separated into the light phase LP and the heavy phase HP.

[0119] The denser, heavier phase HP flows radially outward within the separation space of the rotating drum 3. There, phase HP exits the drum at radius ru. The lighter phase LP flows radially inward within the separation space of the rotating drum 3 and rises upward along the distributor shaft via channel 38. There, phase LP exits the drum at radius ro. By adjusting the ratio of ro ​​to ru and the number and size of the openings, the radius of the separation zone between the two phases can be adjusted within the disc assembly, thus coordinating the flow rates of the individual phases.

[0120] Here, the light phase LP and the heavy phase HP are freely discharged from the rotating drum 3 through the openings 21 and 22, respectively, during continuous operation.

[0121] Here, a portion of the heavier phase is returned to the rotary drum 3 via the recirculation inlet 9 and distributor 33. This allows for simple manipulation of the concentration of the heavier phase and optimization of the separation process. In particular, by appropriately manipulating the regulating valve 31, a portion of the heavier phase HP can be returned to the rotary drum 3. This optimizes the separation process. Control device 37 is used for control.

[0122] Optionally, the control valve 31 can be operated within an adjustable range, for which parameters—here, the parameters of the heavier phase HP—are measured using the measuring device 35. This is indicated here by connection 36 to the control device 37. The parameters of the second phase HP, such as its density, can be determined using the measuring device 35, and then the control device 37 can adjust the valve to open and close fully or partially (dashed line - connection 36) using an adjustment algorithm.

[0123] To adjust, for example, the density of the separated heavy phase, the heavy phase can be measured at the centrifuge outlet, for example, by a density measurement (measuring device 35). This measured value is sent to the control device 37 (dashed line) and compared with a rated value. If the predetermined rated value, such as a density rated value, has not yet been reached, a portion of the separated heavy phase HP can be returned to the separation space of the rotating drum 3 through a regulating valve. It is feasible to adjust the actual density of the separated heavy phase HP to be greater than or equal to the predetermined rated value using this process. This adjustment can be performed, for example, using a PID controller.

[0124] Depending on the product, adjustments may alternatively be made based on other measurements such as turbidity, conductivity, volumetric flow rate, and pH. Adjustments can also be made through volume or mass balance to achieve the desired solids concentration. Other adjustments may be based on flow rate or input volume or drum speed and / or combinations of these parameters.

[0125] In other applications, it may also be meaningful to use the measurements to influence the rotational speed of the drum or the volumetric flow rate at the inlet. If the measurements, for example, indicate insufficient concentration of the heavy phase, the input quantity or the drum rotational speed can be changed in a suitable manner.

[0126] The measurements proposed by HP for the heavy phase can be performed, either alternatively or additionally, at the outlet for the light phase LP. If, for example, the turbidity in the light phase is determined, it can be used as a control parameter for adapting the input amount or appropriately adjusting the drum speed.

[0127] In principle, the position of the rotation axis D can be freely chosen in this embodiment, as the magnetic bearing assembly consisting of the two magnetic bearing devices 4 and 5 allows for this. The position of the rotation axis D can be implemented vertically or horizontally, or it can be tilted arbitrarily. The free outlet structure of the lighter phase LP depends on the adaptation of the position of the rotation axis D. This is not necessarily required when pumping out one of the phases HP or LP.

[0128] Cell separation according to the present invention enables feasible applications in the pharmaceutical industry. The power range is intended for processing turbid enzyme solutions in the order of 100I-4000I and for laboratory applications.

[0129] Other industrial sectors that could utilize separators include: chemistry, pharmaceuticals, dairy technology, recycled materials, oil and gas, beverage technology, and mineral oil.

[0130] In a variant of the separator insert II in Figure 134 of the second implementation, the one or more form-locking mechanisms 41a, 41b of the separator insert and the corresponding form-locking mechanisms provided on the frame I can be provided only on one side between the frame I and the separator insert II, thereby achieving axial and torsional stop of the separator insert II relative to the frame I. This mainly reduces the complexity of the construction.

[0131] List of reference numerals

[0132] I rack

[0133] I-1 Control Console

[0134] I-2 Carriage

[0135] I-3 Roller

[0136] I-4, I-5 Admissions Department

[0137] II Separator Insert

[0138] 1. Shell

[0139] 2 rotors

[0140] 3-rotor

[0141] 4.5 Magnetic bearing device

[0142] 4a and 5a stator units

[0143] 4b and 5b rotor units

[0144] 6, 7 Radial boundary walls

[0145] 8 entrances

[0146] 9 Recirculation Inlet

[0147] Exports 10 and 11

[0148] 12 input tubes

[0149] 12a opening

[0150] 13 Distributors

[0151] 14 Distributor Shaft

[0152] 15 Distributor Bottom

[0153] 16 Distributor Channels

[0154] 17 Separating Discs

[0155] Cylindrical sections 18, 19, and 20

[0156] Conical sections 18a and 20a

[0157] 21 and 22 discharge outlets

[0158] 23, 24 Capture annular chamber

[0159] Room 25

[0160] 26, 27 Conical walls

[0161] 28 pumps

[0162] 29 pipes

[0163] 30 branch pipes

[0164] 31 Control valve

[0165] 32 input tubes

[0166] 32a opening

[0167] 33 Distributor

[0168] 34 distributor channels

[0169] 35 Measuring Device

[0170] 36 connections

[0171] 37 Control Device

[0172] 38 channels

[0173] 41a, 41b, and 42 type locking mechanisms

[0174] D Rotation axis

[0175] S suspended matter

[0176] LP, HP phase

[0177] ro, ru radius

Claims

1. Separator insert for a separator, which is designed for separating a flowable suspension (S) in a centrifugal field into at least two flowable, density- different phases (LP, HP) and has the following features: a) a housing (1) which is stationary in operation, which is designed in the form of a vessel, which is designed closed with the exception of openings, which are designed as an inlet (8) for the inflowing suspension on an axially first delimiting wall (6) of the housing (1), as two outlets (10, 11) for the flowable, density-different phases (LP, HP) on the outer shell of the housing (1) and as a recirculation inlet (9) on an axially second delimiting wall (7) of the housing (1), b) a rotor (2) comprising a bowl (3) which is arranged in the housing (1) and is rotatable about a rotational axis (D), which has openings, one or more first openings and one or more second openings (12a, 32a, 21, 22) of the bowl (3) serving as free radial discharge openings (21, 22) for the light and heavy phases (LP, HP) into the housing (1), and on both axially end portions of the bowl (3) one inlet tube (12, 32) each extends into two further openings (12a, 22a) of the openings of the bowl, which do not touch the bowl (3), c) a separating mechanism is arranged in the bowl (3), d) at least two rotor units (4b, 5b) for magnetic bearing means (4, 5) on both axially spaced-apart locations of the rotor (2) comprising the bowl (3), with which the rotor (2) comprising the bowl (3) can be held in a suspended state in the housing in operation, can be rotatably supported and can be set in rotation. The separator insert (II) forms a preassembled, replaceable unit for insertion into a frame (I) of a separator. The housing (1) and the bowl (3) are made completely or predominantly from plastic or a plastic composite material. The rotor units (4b, 5b) for the magnetic bearing means (4, 5) are arranged on both axially end portions of the bowl (3) and each of the inlet tubes (12, 32) axially penetrates one of the rotor units (4b, 5b). One or both of the magnetic bearing means (4, 5) can also be used for rotating the bowl and adjusting the rotational speed of the bowl, and one or both of the magnetic bearing means (4, 5) acts in a bearing manner in the radial and axial directions and holds the rotor (2) in a suspended state in operation in the vessel (1) spaced apart from the vessel.

2. The separator insert of claim 1, wherein Each of the two outlets (10, 11) for the density-different flowable phases (LP, HP) is respectively assigned one trapped annular chamber (23, 24) of the housing (1).

3. A separator insert according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that The two outlets (10, 11) for the density-different flowable phases (LP, HP) are formed on the housing (1) in the radial or tangential direction.

4. A separator insert according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that ​ 5. The separator insert of claim 4, wherein, ​ 6. The separator insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein ​ 7. The separator insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein ​ 8. The separator insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The inlet (8) is formed by a non-rotatable first input tube (12) which projects with one end from the housing (1) towards the first side and which projects outwards and which passes through the axial first delimiting wall (6) and which extends axially through the one magnetic bearing (4) into the rotating bowl (3) without contacting the latter there.

9. The separator insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first input tube (12) passes concentrically to the axis of rotation of the rotor (2) through the housing (1) and then extends further axially within the housing (1) into the rotatable rotating bowl (3) and ends there with its other, free discharge end, before or in a distributor (13) which is arranged in the rotating bowl (3) and rotates with the latter, with which the suspension can be guided into a centrifugal space.

10. The separator insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The rotating bowl (3) has at least two diametrically different sections (18, 19) and, for the discharge of the differently dense phases (LP, HP) from the rotating bowl (3), at least one discharge opening (21, 22) is provided in the rotating bowl (3) in the diametrically different sections, which has one or more of the openings in the rotating bowl (3) and thereby forms a free discharge opening (21, 22) into the respective captured annular chamber (23, 24).

11. The separator insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein At the deepest point of the respective captured annular chamber (24, 25) a respective outlet (10, 11) for the respective light or heavier phase (LP or HP) is formed.

12. The separator insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The light or heavy phase (LP, HP) discharged from one of the two outlets (10 or 11) can be conveyed away from the housing (1) by means of a pump (28) via a discharge line (29) and a branch line (30) is provided which opens into the recirculation inlet (9) and thereby forms a recirculation line for the light or heavy phase (LP, HP) to be guided back into the rotating bowl.

13. The separator insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The light or heavier phase (HP) to be recirculated can be pumped into the rotating bowl (3) by means of the pump (28).

14. The separator insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The recirculation inlet (9) has a second input tube (32) which passes through the axial second delimiting wall (7) of the housing (1) and opens into a second distributor (33) in the rotating bowl (3) which does not rotate with the rotating bowl (3).

15. The separator insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein An actuable regulating valve (31) is provided with which the recirculation inlet can be shut off or can be opened completely or partially.

16. The separator insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein At least one measuring device is provided with which parameters of the light phase (LP) and / or the heavy phase (HP) can be determined.

17. The separator insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein A stack consisting of separation discs (17) is inserted as a separation mechanism into the rotating bowl (3).

18. The separator insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein All components of the separator insert are assembled as a pre-assembled unit, wherein all product-contacting elements are made of plastic.

19. The separator insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein All components of the separator insert are assembled as a pre-assembled unit, wherein all product-contacting elements are made of non-magnetic material.

20. The separator insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The input pipe (12, 32) of the separator insert and the outlet (10, 11) of the separator insert project in the form of a spout out of the housing (1), these spouts being sealingly connected to the housing (1) or being formed in one piece with the housing.

21. The separator insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The housing is sealingly closed apart from these openings comprising the input pipe (12, 32) and the outlet (10, 11).

22. The separator insert of claim 8, wherein The first input pipe (12) projects with one end out of the housing (1) upwards and outwards with the rotational axis (D) vertically oriented towards the first side.

23. The separator insert of claim 10, wherein The discharge outlets each have one or more nozzle-like openings in the drum housing (3) and thereby form free discharge outlets (21, 22) into the respective capture annular chambers (23, 24).

24. Separator comprising a frame (I) and a separator insert (II) according to one of claims 1 to 23 which is arranged replaceably on the frame.

25. The separator of claim 24, wherein On the separator, receiving parts (I-4, I-5) are formed which are spaced apart from one another, comprising stator units (4a, 5a) of bearing arrangements (4, 5), between which the separator insert (II) can be fitted in a replaceable and torsionally rigid manner.

26. The separator of claim 25, wherein The relative distance of the receiving parts (1-4 and 1-5) comprising stator units (4a, 5a) of bearing arrangements (4, 5) is adjustable in order to replace the separator insert (II).

27. A separator according to claim 25 or 26, characterised in that The housing (1) of the separator insert (II) can be fastened torsionally rigidly on the frame (I) in a form- and / or force-locking manner.

28. The separator of claim 26, wherein The housing (1) and at least one receiving part (I-4 or I-5) and at least one stator unit have corresponding form-locking means (41a, 41b) in order to hold the housing (1) torsionally rigidly on the receiving part (I-4 and / or I-5).

29. A separator according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterised in that At least one control device is provided with which the amount of recirculation of the light or heavy phase (LP, HP) is open-loop or closed-loop controlled.

30. The separator of claim 28, wherein The housing (1) and the receiving parts (I-4 and I-5) and the stator units (4a, 5a) have corresponding form-locking means (41a, 41b) in order to hold the housing (1) torsionally rigidly on the receiving part (I-4 and / or I-5).

31. The separator of claim 29, wherein At least one control device is provided with which the amount of recirculation of the light or heavy phase (LP, HP) is open-loop or closed-loop controlled with the use of one or more results measured using measuring devices. At least one control device is provided with which the amount of recirculation of the light or heavy phase (LP, HP) is open-loop or closed-loop controlled with the use of one or more results measured using measuring devices.

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