Separator insert and separator

Abstract

The invention relates to a separator insert for a separator designed for separating a flowable suspension (S) in a centrifugal field into at least two flowable phases of different density (LP, HP) and having the following: - a housing (1) which is stationary in operation, which is designed in the form of a vessel which is designed closed apart from a plurality of openings, which are designed at least as an inlet (8) for the inflowing suspension, which is configured on an axially first delimiting wall (6) of the housing (1), and as two openings (10, 34) for the discharge of the respective flowable phases of different density (LP, HP) on an outer peripheral wall of the housing (1) and on an axially second delimiting wall (7) of the housing, or as two openings (24, 34) for the discharge of the respective flowable phases of different density (LP, HP) on the axially first and second delimiting walls (6, 7) of the housing (1), - a rotor arranged within the housing (1) and rotatable about an axis of rotation (D), which has a drum (3) having openings, - at least two rotor units (4b, 5b) for a magnet bearing arrangement (4, 5) on two axially spaced-apart positions of the rotor (2) with the drum (3), with which the rotor (2) with the drum (3) can be held suspended, rotationally supported and put into rotation in the housing in operation using the magnet bearing arrangement.

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 sense of the aforementioned document, a separator is used to separate a flowable suspension as an initial product into phases of different densities in a centrifugal field. Steam sterilization of the separator is required in various applications. A relatively "small" steam-sterilizable separator with disc assembly introduced to the market by the applicant is one with a capacity of 6000m³. 2 The CSC6 separator has an equivalent filtration area. In applications such as laboratories, this machine remains relatively large. Commercially available separators with disc assemblies are driven by a spindle, which in turn is driven directly or via a motor drive. Furthermore, known machines are made of stainless steel. For these reasons, filters are currently frequently used in laboratories instead of centrifuges. In separators with disc assemblies and disposable parts made of plastic (disposable process—pre-qualified plastic parts for single use), steam sterilization (SIP - Sterilization in Place) is unnecessary. This makes it particularly suitable for use in biotechnology.

[0003] A separator for separating a flowable product into different phases is known from WO2014 / 000829A1. This separator has a rotatable drum with a lower and upper section, and devices arranged within the drum for handling suspensions in a centrifugal field and for separating the heavier solid phase from the lighter phase in the centrifugal field. One, more, or all of the following elements are composed of plastic or plastic composites: the lower drum, the upper drum, and devices for filtration. This allows a portion, preferably even the entire drum (preferably together with the inlet and outlet system or inlet and outlet area), to be designed for single use. This is particularly interesting and advantageous when processing pharmaceutical products such as fermentation broths, because after processing a batch of the product, cleaning of the product-contacting portion of the drum is unnecessary during subsequent, preferably continuous, processing of that batch; instead, the entire portion can be replaced. Therefore, from a hygienic point of view, this separator is highly advantageous. For physical separation between the disposable drum and the drive unit, a contactless connection between the drive unit and the drum is advantageous.

[0004] DE102017128027 of the same type shows a further improvement. Here, the support device is constructed as a magnetic bearing, and one of the magnetic support devices preferably also serves as a drive device for rotating the drum, which remains suspended during operation. Therefore, the mechanical components for rotating and supporting the drum are eliminated, which is advantageous for constructing a separator with a single-use separator insert, as replacing such a separator insert is a very simple operation. The present invention also utilizes these advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In this context, the objective of the present invention is to construct, in a separator insert of the same type (which may be used as or constructed as a disposable element), such that the separation process can be better controlled.

[0006] According to the present invention, this task is solved by a separator insert for a separator designed to separate a flowable suspension in a centrifugal field into at least two flowable phases of different densities and having the following:

[0007] a) A stationary shell in operation, designed as a container that is closed except for a plurality of openings, wherein the openings are designed at least as follows: an opening for allowing an inflowing suspension to enter, the inlet being constructed on a first defining wall in the axial direction of the shell; and two openings designed on the outer peripheral wall of the shell and on a second defining wall in the axial direction of the shell for discharging corresponding flowable phases of different densities; or two openings designed on the first and second defining walls in the axial direction of the shell for discharging corresponding flowable phases of different densities.

[0008] b) A rotor arranged within the housing and rotatable about a rotation axis, the rotor having a roller with an opening.

[0009] c) Wherein, at the first axial end of the two axial ends of the drum, an inlet pipe, which does not rotate during operation and is used to introduce the suspension to be treated into the drum, extends into one of the openings of the drum, the inlet pipe not contacting the drum, and at least one outlet for the first phase of the flowable phase from the drum is configured as a stripping plate, which does not rotate during operation and has a discharge pipe leading out of the drum at the opposite axial second end of the drum.

[0010] d) Wherein, a separation device is arranged in the drum, and

[0011] e) wherein at least two rotor units for a magnet support device are arranged at two axially spaced positions on the rotor having the roller, the rotor having the roller being able to be kept suspended, rotatably supported and placed in rotation within the housing during operation by means of the magnet support device.

[0012] This structure allows for particularly good control of the separation process.

[0013] "In operation" indicates that the centrifugation process is underway while the rotor is rotating.

[0014] Preferably, and simply and practically in this case, the rotor units are arranged on the two axial ends of the drum, and two corresponding stator units are constructed on the separator support. This forms a magnetic support device on the two axial ends of the drum.

[0015] Preferably, it is therefore specified that the opening of the roller is functionally associated with the opening of the housing in a).

[0016] Here, at least one of the two magnetic support devices is also a rotation drive for the drum, wherein the drive device is also adapted to drive the drum at a freely adjustable speed or a freely selectable rotation direction. Preferably, one or both magnetic support devices function radially and axially, and keep the rotor suspended in the container at a distance from the container during operation.

[0017] More preferably, the separator insert may be configured as a pre-assembled, replaceable unit for insertion into a stator unit on a support of the separator. In interaction, the rotor unit and stator unit constitute a magnetic support device. Using this magnetic support device, the roller can be supported axially and radially and kept suspended.

[0018] According to a first advantageous and structurally particularly simple variant, another opening of the roller is designed as a free radial outlet for a second phase in the flowable phase from the roller into the housing, the phase being discharged from the housing. For this purpose, it can also be advantageously and simply provided that the free outlet is provided with a trapping annular chamber of the housing having an outlet extending from the housing.

[0019] According to another advantageous and structurally particularly simple variant, but also additionally specified, another opening of the roller for discharging additional flowable phase from the roller is configured as a second stripping plate. Thus, it can be advantageously specified that the second stripping plate has a discharge tube constructed coaxially with the inlet tube and drawn out of the roller coaxially with the inlet tube and guided through an opening in the axially defined first defining wall of the housing.

[0020] In order to enable good control, that is, open-loop or closed-loop control of the separation process, it may be further specified that a regulating valve is connected downstream of the flow side of the first and / or the second stripping plate (or the discharge side if necessary), which can be operated by a control device.

[0021] It can also be further preferably specified that a separation device, in particular a disc assembly, is arranged in the drum, and the first stripping plate is structurally space-saving and simply arranged in the drum below the distributor and below the disc assembly, i.e., in an area that would otherwise be required for a fixed drive spindle, which is not needed here.

[0022] Here, because of its simple and reliable structure, it is preferred that the rotor unit for the magnet support device is arranged on the two axial ends of the drum, and that the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe of the first stripping plate respectively pass through one of the two rotor units axially.

[0023] Particularly advantageous and practical is that the separator insert is constructed as a pre-assembled unit. Here, it can also be specified, in particular, that all components of the insert that come into contact with the product are made of plastic or other non-magnetic materials, wherein the insert as a whole is replaceable and can be completely removed after use. Cleaning of the separator insert and, if necessary, steam sterilization are therefore no longer required.

[0024] The corresponding support device (which, in addition to radial support, also causes axial support and / or rotational drive of the roller) can act permanently magnetically and / or electromagnetically.

[0025] On the outer peripheral wall, the inlet tube or the stripper bar surrounding the inlet tube is preferably sealed into the housing or constructed as a single piece with the housing.

[0026] The roller can be constructed as a single cone or a double cone. The roller may also supplementarily or alternatively have one or more cylindrical sections. Furthermore, the roller can consist of multiple components, particularly an upper and lower section, wherein these components are preferably connected to each other (e.g., by adhesive or welding) after the internal components are installed and assembled together. Similarly, the housing can consist of multiple components, particularly an upper and lower section, wherein these components are preferably connected to each other (e.g., by adhesive or welding) after the internal components, particularly the rotor, are installed and assembled together.

[0027] The outlet may have a nozzle on the outside of the housing, which is sealed to the housing on the outer peripheral wall, thereby enabling easy connection of hoses or the like. The hoses may also be pre-assembled onto the nozzle, thus ensuring complete and sterile closure when needed. The nozzle may extend radially, tangentially, or obliquely in the radial direction, for example.

[0028] These separators are suitable for operation at varying and relatively high speeds. Furthermore, the separators are also well-suited for single-use processes, such as centrifuging a batch of product from a flowable fermentation broth in suspension (e.g., 100 I to several thousand, e.g., 4000 I) into different phases and then removing it. 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. This prefabricated unit consists at least of a rotor with rollers, a separating disc, a feed distributor, and rotor magnets or rotor units, along with a housing having inlet and outlet. Additionally, the unit may 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.

[0029] Another advantage is that, in addition to the axial bearing below the first vertical orientation of the rotation axis, another axial bearing is provided, for example, at the opposite end of the roller or, if necessary, within the roller itself. This allows the rotation axis of the roller to be arranged vertically, but alternatively, advantageously inclined from the vertical. Any arrangement of the rotation axis is possible. The rotation axis can therefore be inclined from the vertical at an angle of, for example, 30° to 60°, such as 45°, or it can be oriented horizontally, i.e., inclined at 90° relative to the vertical. Furthermore, it is also possible to rotate the entire arrangement 180°, thereby allowing the opening to be arranged below and the tapered separation disc to open upwards without causing problems with roller support.

[0030] If we observe "first vertical orientation of the rotation axis" here or below, it means that the positions of the centrifuge components can be realized or achieved in the vertical orientation of the rotation axis as described. However, the rotation axis can also actually be tilted in a vertical orientation. Then, it is preferable to arrange the outlets for phases LP and HP at the deepest vertical position of each trapping annular chamber.

[0031] Furthermore, it is advantageous that one of the support and / or drive units is designed to radially support the roller at its lower end during the first vertical orientation and to place it in a rotational position.

[0032] Furthermore, it can be advantageously specified that the housing has only openings for the inlet pipe and the outlet and is otherwise constructed to be sealed. For this purpose, it can be specified that the inlet pipe and the outlet extend outward from the housing in the form of connecting pipes, wherein these connecting pipes are either sealingly connected to the housing or constructed as a single piece with the housing.

[0033] The present invention also provides a separator having a support and a replaceable separator insert according to the present invention.

[0034] This makes it easy to provide a separator having a disposable module with disposable components “roller” and “shell”, while at least the bracket and components of the support and drive mechanism are reusable.

[0035] This invention enables the manufacture of separators using disposable separator inserts, preferably constructed such that all parts in contact with the product are made of plastic or other non-magnetic materials, which can be removed after single use. This eliminates the need for post-use cleaning. Consequently, the machine and its operation can be significantly more advantageous. Magnets can be recycled if necessary.

[0036] The entire separator insert is supplied as a sealed unit after its manufacture, preventing impurities from entering this sealed unit. For this purpose, the connector can be sealed and removably closed. Therefore, hose sections with openable and closable connectors can be arranged on the connector, through which the separator module or this separator insert can be connected to other components of the inlet and outlet system, such as bags, tanks, hoses, or pipes.

[0037] The simple and reliable method here is to construct spaced-apart receptacles for the support device on the bracket, into which the separator insert can be replaced in a non-rotatable manner.

[0038] For this purpose, it can also be specified that the relative distance between the receiving portions on the console is adjustable so that the separator insert can be replaced.

[0039] Furthermore, it can be specified that the separator insert can be fixed to the bracket in a form-locking and / or force-locking manner, preventing relative rotation. According to a particularly simple variation, the housing and the receiving portion have corresponding form-locking devices to hold the housing non-rotatably on the bracket or stator unit.

[0040] The positions of these corresponding locking devices also define the functionally required positions of the stator and rotor units relative to each other. This particularly relates to the precise centering of the coaxially nested units. Here, a retaining force can also be applied to the housing in the axial direction (from above and from below) by means of the receiving portion, so as to forcefully lock the housing in place if necessary.

[0041] Furthermore, it can be specified that at least one control device is 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 measurement results obtained by measuring devices.

[0042] Advantageous designs of the present invention can be derived from the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and various embodiments, in which other advantageous variations and designs are also discussed. It should be emphasized that the embodiments discussed below are not intended to exhaustively describe the invention, but rather that variations and equivalents not shown can be implemented and fall within the scope of the claims. In the accompanying drawings:

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a replaceable first separator insert is shown, along with a schematic diagram of the separator's inlet and outlet systems and control unit.

[0045] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a replaceable second separator insert of the separator, together with a schematic diagram of the separator's inlet and outlet systems and control unit;

[0046] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a separator is shown, comprising a reusable support and a replaceable separator insert having a hose section disposed thereon, the separator insert being configured according to... Figure 1 The form;

[0047] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 and Figure 3 A perspective view of the replaceable separator insert and the hose section disposed thereon; and

[0048] Figure 5 by Figure 4 The variation of the modified scheme is shown in perspective view of a second variation with a replaceable separator insert. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 1 A separator of the type having a reusable support I and replaceable separator inserts II, used for centrifugally separating a product (suspension S) into phases HP and LP of different densities. The separator inserts can also be customized according to... Figure 2 Type design.

[0050] Separator insert II is preferably constructed as a prefabricated unit. In particular, separator insert II is constructed as a disposable separator insert designed as an integral replaceable or replaceable unit and as a pre-assembled unit, which is entirely or mostly constructed of plastic or plastic composite material.

[0051] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The separator insert (excluding elements 4a and 5a) is shown separately as an example. This separator insert can be removed after processing a batch of products and can be replaced with a new separator insert II.

[0052] Such a separator with easily replaceable separator inserts can be meaningful and advantageous when processing products in which contaminants (flowing suspensions or their phases) can be reliably excluded from being carried into the product during centrifugation, or where cleaning and sterilizing the separator may be very costly or simply impossible.

[0053] The bracket I has a control console I-1. This control console may (but is not required to) be supported on a vehicle I-2 having rollers I-3. Receiving portions I-4 and I-5 may be arranged on the control console I-1, which also serve to receive and hold 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.

[0054] The corresponding stator units 4a and 5a of the two drive and magnet support devices 4 and 5 can be arranged in the corresponding housings I-4 and I-5. For this purpose, the control and power electronics can be arranged in the bracket I, for example, in the control console I-1.

[0055] Here, the receiving parts I-4 and I-5 extend laterally from the control console I-1 of the bracket I. They are arranged on the control console I-1 with adjustable height.

[0056] Corresponding form-locking devices may be constructed on the receiving portions I-4 and I-5 and on the non-rotating housing 1 of the separator insert II during operation, so that the separator insert II can be inserted into the stator units 4a and 5a in a non-rotatable manner. The upper and lower stator units 4a and 5a may each have mutually aligned axes.

[0057] For the replacement of separator insert II, it can be specified that two receiving portions I-4 and I-5 having stator units 4a and 5a are axially and, here exemplarily, also vertically arranged relative to each other on bracket I-1, movable and especially mobile.

[0058] In this case, for example, it can be advantageously stipulated that the receiving portions I-4 and I-5, which have stator units 4a and 5a on the support I, can be axially separated from each other and yet move toward each other, so as to replace the separator insert II, that is, so that the old separator insert II can be removed from the support I and replaced with a new separator insert. For this purpose, it can also be stipulated that the relative distance between the receiving portions I-4 and I-5 is adjustable using the stator units 4a and 4b of the support devices 4 and 5, so as to enable the replacement of the separator insert II.

[0059] Furthermore, it can be specified that the separator insert II can be fixed to the bracket I in a form-locking and / or force-locking manner, preventing relative rotation. According to a particularly simple variation, the housing 1 and stator units 4a, 5a can therefore have corresponding form-locking devices, such as protrusions (e.g., pins) and gaps (e.g., holes), to hold the housing 1 non-rotatably on the stator units and thus on the bracket I. Figure 4 In this configuration, the corresponding form-locking devices 41 and 42 are arranged circumferentially in the lower and upper regions of the separator insert II and on the support. However, it is also possible to provide only one form-locking device in the lower and upper regions of the separator insert II and at the corresponding position on the support I, instead of multiple form-locking devices. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The corresponding form-locking devices are pin 41a and gap 41b. These form-locking devices can also be directly mounted on the bracket I. The corresponding form-locking devices can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically to ensure that the separator insert can only be used in a single orientation.

[0060] The following reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of the preferred separator insert II, together with the structure of the separator's drive and support system, the separator's control device, and the separator's inlet and outlet system, are described in detail.

[0061] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2The separator insert II of the separator has a housing 1 and a rotor 2 inserted into the housing 1 and rotatable relative to the housing 1 during operation. The rotor 2 has a rotation axis D. The rotation axis can be vertically oriented, corresponding to the structure of the support I. If the support is also designed accordingly, it can also be oriented differently in space.

[0062] The rotor 2 of the separator insert II further includes a rotatable roller 3. The rotor 2 is rotatably supported by corresponding magnetic support devices 4 and 5 at positions spaced apart from each other along the direction of the rotation axis in two axial directions. Preferably, the rotor, or the roller 3, is supported at the ends of the two axial directions. Here, the separator insert II has rotor units 4b and 5b with magnetic support devices 4 and 5. The stator units 4a and 5a of the magnetic support devices 4 and 5 are arranged on the bracket I-1.

[0063] The magnet support devices 4 and 5 preferably act radially and axially and keep the rotor 2 suspended in the housing 1, spaced apart from the housing.

[0064] Here, rotor units 4b and 5b can be constructed essentially in the form of an inner ring composed of magnets, especially permanent magnets, and reusable stator units 4a and 5a can be used essentially in the form of an outer ring for axially and radially (e.g., above) supporting rotor 2 or alternatively for (e.g., below) rotational drive.

[0065] Therefore, rotor units 4b and / or 5b, as part of the separator drive unit, are also part of the rotating system or rotor. In other words, the rotor of the drive unit is thus part of the centrifugal separator drum. Therefore, one or both of the magnetic support devices 4 and 5 preferably also serve as a drive unit for rotating the rotor 2 together with the drum 3 in the housing 1. In this case, the corresponding magnetic support devices constitute a combined magnetic support and drive unit. The magnetic support devices 4 and 5 can be configured as axial and / or radial bearings that generally cooperate at their ends to axially and radially support and generally hold and rotate the drum 3 in a suspended manner during operation.

[0066] The magnet support devices 4 and 5 can be constructed in the same or substantially the same manner in terms of their basic structure. In particular, only one of the two magnet support devices 4 and 5 can also be used as a drive device. Therefore, the corresponding components of the 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 support I. Here, one or both stator units 4a and 5a can also be electrically connected to control and power electronics for operating the electromagnetic components of the magnet support devices.

[0067] The corresponding magnet support devices 4 and 5 can, for example, operate according to the combined electromagnetic and permanent magnet working principles.

[0068] Preferably, at least the lower axially acting magnet support device 5 is used to keep the rotor 2 suspended axially within the housing 1 by means of levitation. The magnet support device may, for example, have one or more first permanent magnets on the underside of the rotor, and further have an electromagnet on a receiving portion of the support, the electromagnet coaxially surrounding the one or more permanent magnets. The rotor can be driven electromagnetically. However, it can also be driven by rotating permanent magnets.

[0069] Such a support and drive device is used, for example, by Levitronix for driving centrifugal pumps (EP2273124B1). It can also be used within the scope of this document. As a drive device, for example, a first Levitronix motor "below" can be used, which magnetically supports the drum both radially and axially. Furthermore, for example, in addition to the control device during operation, a second Levitronix motor of the same construction can be provided, which, as a magnetic bearing 4, can radially and axially support the rotor 2 on the head.

[0070] The rotor speed can be controlled by the control device 37 (see...) Figure 1 or Figure 2 The rotation direction of rotor 2 can be pre-defined and changed, either by a control device separate from magnetic bearings 4 and 5.

[0071] During operation, rotor 2 rotates. Therefore, the rotor remains axially suspended and radially centered. Preferably, rotor 2 operates in conjunction with drum 3 at a speed between 1000 rpm, preferably 5000 to 10000 rpm, and if necessary, up to 20000 rpm. The centrifugal force generated by this rotation causes the suspension to be treated, as described above, to separate into different flowable phases of different densities, LP and HP, resulting in the extraction of different phases, as described in further detail below. Here, batch processing of the product is carried out in continuous operation, meaning that the phases separated from the suspension are completely extracted from the drum again during operation.

[0072] Therefore, it is highly desirable to provide a separator insert along with the housing for the separator, which can be designed for single use in its entirety. This is particularly interesting and advantageous when processing pharmaceutical products such as fermentation broths, because after the operation for processing the corresponding product batch, cleaning of the drum is unnecessary during subsequent, preferably continuous, operations, as the entire separator insert can be replaced. Individual components, such as magnets, can be appropriately recycled if necessary (see also DE102017128027A1).

[0073] The housing 1 is preferably made of plastic or a plastic composite material. The housing 1 may be cylindrical and have a cylindrical outer peripheral wall, with two radially extending defining walls 6, 7 (a cover and a bottom) at its ends.

[0074] The drum 3 is used to centrifuge and separate the flowable suspension S in the centrifugal field into at least two phases LP and HP of different densities. These phases may be, for example, a lighter liquid phase and a heavier solid phase or a heavier liquid phase.

[0075] In a preferred design, rotor 2 and its roller 3 have a vertical axis of rotation D. However, housing 1 and rotor 2 can also be oriented differently in space. The following description refers to the vertical orientation shown ( Figure 3 In other orientations within the space, the orientation changes according to the new orientation. Furthermore, if necessary, one or two outlets (which will be discussed further) may be arranged in different ways.

[0076] The rotor 2 of the separator, which has rollers, is preferably made entirely or primarily of plastic or plastic composite material.

[0077] The roller 3 is preferably constructed in a cylindrical and / or conical shape in any way. A similar case applies to other components in the rotor 2 and on the housing 1 (except for the components of the magnet support devices 4 and 5).

[0078] The shell 1 is designed in the form of a container, which is advantageously constructed to be sealed and closed except for some (to be discussed further) openings / opening areas.

[0079] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 An opening is formed in one of the openings in each of the two axially defined walls 6 and 7 of the container 1 (which are exemplarily located in the upper and lower parts).

[0080] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 One of the openings in the first axially defined wall 6 above can be realized or used as an inlet 8 for guiding a suspension of at least two phases of different densities LP and HP to be separated in a centrifugal field through the housing 1 into the drum 3.

[0081] Here, the first phase is the lighter phase LP, while the second phase is the denser and heavier phase HP compared to the first phase.

[0082] One of the openings in the second defining wall 7 below the axial direction can be realized or used as an outlet for allowing the second heavy phase HP to pass directly from the roller 3 through the housing 1.

[0083] The roller 3 also has openings, which are functionally associated with the openings in the housing.

[0084] An inlet pipe 12 for the suspension to be treated extends into an opening 12a at the axial end of the drum 3. The inlet pipe penetrates the housing 1, and more particularly through the axially defining wall 6 thereon. On the outer peripheral wall, the inlet pipe 12 faces the housing 1 according to… Figure 1 The inlet tube is sealed into the housing, for example, by welding or adhesive bonding, or, if necessary, by injection molding as a single piece with the housing. The inlet tube is preferably also made of plastic. The inlet tube 12 extends upwardly outward from one end of the housing 1 and extends through the upper defining wall 6 into the roller 3, wherein the inlet tube does not contact the roller 3. Thus, the inlet tube 12 is an opening in the housing 1 that functionally corresponds to the opening 12a of the roller 3.

[0085] according to Figure 1 (but also according to) Figure 2 The inlet tube 12 passes concentrically with the rotation axis of the rotor 2 through the housing 1 and the magnetic bearing 4, and then extends axially further into the rotatable drum 3 within the housing 1, where it terminates at its other end (the free outlet end).

[0086] Entering pipe 12 according to Figure 1 and 2 The fluid is fed into a distributor 13 that rotates together with the roller 3. The distributor 13 has a tubular distributor rod 14 and a distributor bottom 15. One or more distributor channels 16 are constructed in the distributor bottom 15. A stack of separation discs consisting of conical separation discs 17 can be placed on the distributor 13. The distributor 13 and the separation discs 17 are preferably both made of plastic.

[0087] In addition, not only according to Figure 1 Moreover, according to Figure 2 A corresponding first stripping plate 33 is used to extract the heavier phase HP of the two phases HP and LP from the roller 3. Here, the stripping plate rod or the central discharge pipe 34 penetrates the second defining wall 7 of the housing 1 axially (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 This forms another opening in the housing 1. Furthermore, it extends downward from the axial opening 34a below the roller, but does not contact the roller.

[0088] Here, according to a possible, but not mandatory, design, the roller 3 has at least two cylindrical sections 18 and 19 of different diameters. Adjacent to the cylindrical sections, one or more tapered transition regions can be constructed on the roller 3. The roller 3 can also be generally constructed as a single cone or a double cone (not shown here) in the intermediate axial region.

[0089] As shown, the roller 3 may have a lower cylindrical section 20 with a smaller diameter, on which the rotor unit 5b of the lower magnetic bearing is also constructed, transitioning to a conical section 20a, then to a cylindrical section 19 with a larger diameter, then to a conical section 18a, and then to an upper cylindrical section 18 with a smaller diameter, on which the rotor unit 4b of the upper magnetic bearing 4 is constructed.

[0090] Regarding the extraction of lighter phases, Figure 1 and 2 The separator inserts are different.

[0091] The openings (which can be circumferentially distributed on the roller 3, thus multiple openings can be provided on the roller 3 respectively) are arranged according to... Figure 1 The outlet 21 serves as a radial or tangential discharge port for the light phase LP to be discharged from the drum 3. According to... Figure 1 In one embodiment, an opening in the outer peripheral wall of the housing can then be used to discharge or as an outlet 10 for the lighter product phase LP formed during centrifugal separation, which is discharged from the drum 3.

[0092] The first row of outlets 21 on the radius ro of the drum 3 is specifically configured as "nozzle-like" openings in the outer peripheral wall of the drum 3. Furthermore, they are configured as so-called "unoccupied" outlets in the drum 3. Here, the first outlet 21 is used to discharge the lighter phase LP. The phase discharged from the drum 3 is collected in the housing 1 in a trapping annular chamber 23 on top of the housing 1. The trapping annular chamber 23 is designed such that the phase collected in the trapping annular chamber is guided to the outlet 10 of the trapping annular chamber 23. This is achieved by positioning the outlets 10 at their respective lowest points within the trapping annular chambers 23. The trapping annular chambers 23 open radially inward toward the rotating drum 3 and are configured to be spaced apart, such that the liquid ejected from the respective outlets 21 is ejected substantially only into the corresponding trapping annular chamber 23, which is located at the same axial level, during centrifugation.

[0093] Below the trapping annular chamber 23, a chamber 25 not used for exiting the phase may be optionally constructed. This chamber 25 may optionally have a leakage outlet (not shown here).

[0094] The first trapping annular chamber 23 and chamber 25 can be separated from each other by a tapered first wall 26, which extends taperingly inward and upward from the outer peripheral wall of the housing 1 and terminates radially in front of the roller 3, spaced apart from it.

[0095] Preferably, at the lowest point of the trapping annular chamber, the product phase LP is discharged from the housing 1 through outlet 10. A connecting pipe can be externally disposed on the housing 1 in the area of ​​outlet 10 so that tubing and the like can be easily connected.

[0096] They can be directly constructed together on the housing 1 or adhesively mounted on the housing. The connecting pipe is preferably also made of plastic. The housing 1 can be assembled from multiple plastic parts, which are connected to each other in a sealing manner, for example, adhesively or welded.

[0097] As the second discharge outlet (through housing 1) for the heavier phase HP to be discharged from the drum, according to... Figure 1 and 2 Each is provided with a first stripping plate 33, which extends substantially radially and transitions into a discharge pipe 34 extending axially as a stripping plate rod, which passes through an axially defined wall 7 at the bottom of the housing 1. The stripping plate 33 has an outer diameter ru. Here, ru > ro. Therefore, the inlet opening 33a of the stripping plate 33 is located on a diameter or radius ru larger than the outlet 21 of the lighter phase LP on radius ro. Thus, it is possible to use the stripping plate 33 to discharge the heavier phase HP relative to the lighter phase LP from the drum 3. The stripping plate 33 remains stationary during the operation of the separator and its outer edge is immersed in the heavier phase HP rotating in the drum 3.

[0098] Phase HP is drawn inward through channels in the stripper plate 33. Therefore, the stripper plate 33 is used to draw phase HP out in a centripetal pump manner.

[0099] The peeling plate 33 can be arranged in a simple and compact manner in the roller 3 below the dispenser 14 and below the disc assembly 17. The radius ru corresponds to the immersion depth of the peeling plate 33.

[0100] The outlet tube 34 extends downward from one end of the housing 1 from the roller and through the lower defining wall 7, wherein the outlet tube does not contact the roller 3. The outlet tube 34 can be integrally constructed with the housing 1 or inserted into the housing in a sealed manner. A hose or similar device can be connected to the outlet tube as an outlet portion 35.

[0101] The outlet tube passes concentrically with the rotation axis D of the rotor 2 through the housing 1 and the magnetic bearing 5 below, and then extends further axially within the housing 1 until it reaches the stripping plate 33.

[0102] It can be specified that a controllable, especially electrically controllable, regulating valve 36 is used in the outlet for the heavy phase HP, particularly in the outlet section 35 for the heavier phase HP. The regulating valve 36 can throttle the volumetric flow of the heavy phase HP in the outlet section 35 and increase the immersion depth of the associated stripping plate. Preferably, a control device 37 is provided. The control valve 36 is preferably connected to the control device 37 wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0103] The control device 37 can also be designed and configured to control the magnetic bearings 4 and 5 and the drive device.

[0104] according to Figure 2 The light phase LP is also discharged through the stripping plate.

[0105] For this purpose, a second stripping plate 22 is provided in the upper region of the roller 3, and its inlet opening 22a can be located on a radius ro that is smaller than the radius ru of the inlet of the first stripping plate 33 below for the heavy phase.

[0106] The rod of the second peeling plate 22 can surround the inlet pipe 8 in an annular channel shape, like the external discharge pipe 24, and be sealed to the housing 1 in place of the inlet pipe 8, or be integrally constructed with the housing. Therefore, the discharge pipes 24 and 34 of the two peeling plates 22 and 33 are based on... Figure 2 They are drawn out from the roller at opposite ends of the roller 3. They are also drawn out from the housing at opposite ends of the housing 1. They can be sealed into the housing 1. However, they can also be made as a single piece of plastic. The inlet tube 12 can be connected to the peeling plate rod 24 at the upper end of the peeling plate rod 24. A radial or tangential connecting pipe 24a can be drawn out from the peeling plate rod 24. A discharge section 40 for discharging the light phase can be connected to the peeling plate rod, which can, for example, lead into a bag or can. Accordingly, the ends of tubes 12 and 34 can also be configured as connectors for connecting hoses or the like. Figure 2 But also Figure 1 ).

[0107] It can be specified that a controllable, especially electrically controllable, regulating valve 39 is also inserted into the outlet 40 for the light phase LP.

[0108] The volumetric flow rate of the light phase LP can be changed by regulating valve 39, especially by more or less throttling, and thereby changing the immersion depth of the second stripping plate 22. Regulating valve 39 is also connected to control device 37 wirelessly or wired, so that it can be controlled by control device 37.

[0109] The respective stripping plates 22 and 33 are cylindrical, substantially radially oriented plates with multiple, for example, one to six channels. These plates remain stationary during operation and, having channels, constitute a centripetal pump. The respective stripping plates 22 or 33 are immersed with their outer edges into the rotating phase LP or HP in the separator. The respective phase LP or HP is drawn inward through the channels in the stripping plates, and the rotational speed of the respective phase LP or HP is converted into pressure. Therefore, the respective stripping plates 22 and 33 replace the discharge pump for the respective phase LP or HP. Thus, the stripping plates function as centripetal pumps. They can be made of plastic.

[0110] Theoretically, a third stripping plate can also be set up, which can be used to derive another phase.

[0111] The following is a brief description based on Figure 1 and Figure 2 The operation of the separator.

[0112] First, individual separators with their multiple-use or reusable components are provided. This includes the support I, the drive unit of the magnet support device, and stator units 4a and 5a. Also included is the control unit 37. Then, a separator insert II is provided and assembled onto the support I. For this purpose, stator units 4a and 5a must only move separately from each other. The separator insert is then inserted in a form-locking manner, and the stator units move toward each other. Thus, the housing is reliably held in a non-rotatable manner. Now, if necessary, a hose is connected to a connecting pipe that leads into a can or bag. Therefore, Figure 1 and 2 Each of the separator inserts may preferably also have at least hoses and connectors that can be connected to additional pipelines and containers such as bags, cans, pumps and the like (not shown here).

[0113] Then, after connecting pipes and hoses or similar devices, the suspension is guided into a rotating drum (inlet 8) and there it is centrifuged to separate the light phase LP and the heavy phase HP.

[0114] The denser, heavier phase HP flows radially outward in the separation space within drum 3. There, phase HP exits the drum by radius ru through the channels of the stationary stripping plate 33.

[0115] The lighter phase LP flows radially inward in the separation space within the drum 3 and rises upward through the channel 38 on the distributor rod. There, the phases LP exit according to radius ro. Figure 1 and 2 The roller.

[0116] Here, the separation process can be influenced in a simple way using one or more regulating valves 36, 39. This leads to the optimization of the separation process.

[0117] Cell separation is primarily used in the pharmaceutical industry for the separators according to the present invention. The power range is considered for processing turbid liquids from fermentation tanks in the range of 100 I to 4000 I, as well as for laboratory applications.

[0118] Other industrial sectors where separators can be used can also be envisioned: chemistry, pharmaceuticals, dairy technology, renewable feedstocks, oils and gases, beverage technology, mineral oils, etc.

[0119] The separator shown enables the manufacture of separator inserts, wherein preferably all parts in contact with the product can be made of plastic or other non-magnetic materials, which can be removed or sent to a recycling process after single use. This eliminates the need for post-use cleaning. Therefore, the separator and its operation can be implemented at a low cost.

[0120] Figure 5 Shown in the second implementation variant Figure 4 A variation of the separator insert II, wherein the same features are provided with similar reference numerals. The second embodiment is characterized in that the one or more form-locking devices 41b and the corresponding form-locking devices 41a disposed on the support I exist only on one side between the support I and the housing of the separator insert II, thereby also enabling axial fixation and torsional stop of the separator insert II relative to the support I. This, in particular, reduces the complexity of the structure.

[0121] Figure Labels

[0122] I stent

[0123] I-1 Control Console

[0124] I-2 vehicle

[0125] I-3 Roller

[0126] I-4, I-5 Accommodation Department

[0127] II Separator Insert

[0128] 1. Shell

[0129] 2 rotors

[0130] 3 rollers

[0131] 4.5 Magnet support device

[0132] 4a and 5a stator units

[0133] 4b and 5b rotor units

[0134] 6, 7 Radial limiting walls

[0135] 8 entrances

[0136] 10 Exports

[0137] 12 Inlet pipe

[0138] 12a opening

[0139] 13 Distributors

[0140] 14 Distributor Rod

[0141] 15 Distributor Bottom

[0142] 16 Distributor Channels

[0143] 17 Separating Discs

[0144] Cylindrical sections 18, 19, and 20

[0145] Conical sections 18a and 20a

[0146] 21 discharge outlets

[0147] 22 peeling board

[0148] 22a entrance opening

[0149] 23. Capture Annular Chamber

[0150] 24 Discharge pipe

[0151] 24a connection pipe

[0152] 25 chambers

[0153] 26 Conical walls

[0154] 33 Peeling Board

[0155] 33a entrance opening

[0156] 34 Discharge pipe

[0157] 34a opening

[0158] 35 Export Section

[0159] 36 regulating valve

[0160] 37 Control Device

[0161] 38 channels

[0162] 39 regulating valve

[0163] 40 Export Section

[0164] 41-type locking device

[0165] 41a sales

[0166] 41b Void

[0167] 42-type locking device

[0168] D Rotation axis

[0169] S suspension

[0170] LP, HP phase

[0171] ro, ru radius

Claims

1. Separator insert for a separator designed for separating a flowable suspension (S) in a centrifugal field into at least two flowable phases of different density (LP, HP) and having the following: a) a housing (1) which is stationary in operation, which housing is designed in the form of a container which, apart from a plurality of openings, is designed to be closed, wherein These openings are designed at least as follows: as an inlet (8) for the inflowing suspension, which is configured on an axially first delimiting wall (6) of the housing (1), and as two openings for discharging the respective flowable phases of different density (LP, HP) on the peripheral wall of the housing (1) and on an axially second delimiting wall (7) of the housing, or as two openings for discharging the respective flowable phases of different density (LP, HP) on the axially first delimiting wall (6) and on the second delimiting wall (7) of the housing (1), b) a rotor arranged within the housing (1) and rotatable about a rotation axis (D), the rotor having a drum (3) with openings, c) wherein On an axially first end of the two axially ends of the drum (3), an in-running, non-rotating inlet pipe (12) for feeding the suspension to be treated into the drum (3) extends into one of the openings (12a) of the drum (3), the inlet pipe not contacting the drum (3), and at least one outlet for a first phase of flowable phases from the drum (3) is configured as a first stripping plate (33), which is non-rotating in operation and which has a discharge pipe (34) leading out of the drum (3) on an axially opposite second end of the drum (3), d) a separator device arranged in the drum (3), e) at least two rotor units (4b, 5b) for a magnet bearing arrangement (4, 5) on two axially spaced-apart locations of the rotor (2) having the drum (3), with which the rotor (2) having the drum (3) can be held suspended, rotationally supported and put into rotation in operation within the housing using the magnet bearing arrangement.

2. The separator insert of claim 1, wherein, The other openings of the drum (3) are designed as free radial discharge openings (21) for a second phase of flowable phases from the drum (3) into the housing (1), which can be conducted out of the housing.

3. The separator insert of claim 2, wherein, The free discharge openings (21) are provided with a catch annular chamber (23) of the housing (1) having an outlet (10) leading out of the housing.

4. The separator insert of claim 1, wherein, The separator insert has a second stripping plate (22).

5. The separator insert of claim 4, wherein, The second stripping plate (22) has a stripping plate stem (24) according to the form of a discharge pipe, which is configured coaxially with the inlet pipe (12) and is led out of the drum coaxially with the inlet pipe and is guided through an opening (12a) in the axially first delimiting wall (6) of the housing (1).

6. The separator insert of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Downstream of the flow side of the first stripping plate (33) a first regulating valve (36) is connected.

7. The separator insert of claim 4 or 5, wherein, Downstream of the flow side of the second stripping plate (22) a second regulating valve (39) is connected.

8. The separator insert of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The separator insert (II) constitutes a preassembled, replaceable unit for insertion into the holder (I) of the separator.

9. The separator insert of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The housing (1) and the drum (3) are made entirely or predominantly of plastic or plastic composite material.

10. The separator insert of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Rotor units (4b, 5b) for the magnet bearing arrangements (4, 5) are arranged on both axial ends of the drum (3), and the inlet pipe (12) and the discharge pipe (34) of the first stripping plate (33) each run axially through one of the two rotor units (4b, 5b).

11. The separator insert of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, One or both of the magnet bearing arrangements (4, 5) can also be used to rotate the drum and to adjust the rotational speed of the drum, and one or both of the magnet bearing arrangements (4, 5) acts radially and axially supporting and keeps the rotor (2) in operation floating in the container (1) spaced apart from the container.

12. The separator insert of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, A set of separation discs (17) is inserted into the drum (3) as the separating means, and the first stripping plate (33) is arranged in the drum (3) below the distributor (14) and below the set of separation discs.

13. The separator insert of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, All components of the separator insert are assembled into a preassembled unit, wherein all product-contacting elements are made of plastic or other non-magnetic material.

14. The separator insert of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The inlet pipe (12) and the outlet or discharge pipe run according to the form of a stub from the housing (1) outward, wherein these stubs are sealingly connected to the housing (1) or are configured in one piece with the housing.

15. The separator insert of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The housing is sealingly closed with the exception of the opening with the inlet pipe (12) and the outlet or discharge pipe.

16. Separator with a holder (I) and a separator insert (II) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, which is arranged replaceably on the holder.

17. The separator of claim 16, wherein, Accommodations (I-4, I-5) on the separator, which are spaced apart from one another, are configured with stator units (4a, 5a) of the bearing arrangements (4, 5), between which the separator insert (II) can be inserted replaceably without relative rotation.

18. The separator of claim 17, wherein, The relative distance of the accommodations (I-4 and I-5) with the stator units (4a, 5a) of the bearing arrangements (4, 5) is adjustable in order to replace the separator insert (II).

19. The separator of claim 17 or 18, wherein, The housing (1) of the separator insert (II) can be fixed non-rotationally on the holder (I) form- and / or force-locked.

20. The separator of claim 19, wherein, The housing (1) and at least one of the accommodations (I-4, I-5) have corresponding form-locking means in order to hold the housing (1) non-rotationally on the accommodation.

21. The separator of claim 20, wherein, The housing (1) and only one of the accommodations have corresponding form-locking means (41a, 41b) in order to hold the housing (1) non-rotationally on the accommodation.

22. The separator of claim 20, wherein, The housing (1) and each of the housings (I4, I-5) have corresponding form-locking means (41a, 41b, 42) in order to hold the housing (1) non-rotatably on the housing.

23. The separator of any one of claims 16-18, wherein, The separator has a control device (37) which is connected to at least one or more regulating valves.

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