Method for cleaning separator

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the centrifugal treatment of flowable products and for flushing and / or CIP cleaning of the separator by means of a separator having a rotatable cartridge (1) and a product flow path for the flowable products to be treated in a centrifugal field in the cartridge (1), the product flows through the product flow path in the product flow direction during the centrifugation process, characterized by the following steps: 100) providing the separator; 200) carrying out a centrifugal treatment on the product and 300) interrupting the centrifugal treatment, a) rinsing or CIP cleaning of at least a part of the product path of the cartridge (1) of the separator in the product flow direction and b) rinsing or CIP cleaning of at least a part of the product path of the cartridge (1) completely or partially counter to the product flow direction are carried out alternately, and 400) preferably the step 200) of continuing the centrifugal treatment of the product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for centrifuging a free-flowing product using a separator and for flushing and / or CIP cleaning the separator, as well as a separator for carrying out the method. Background Art

[0002] With the aid of a disc centrifuge or separator, a suspension is separated into phases of different densities in the centrifugal field of a rotating drum. With a self-emptying clarifier, for example, a suspension is separated in the centrifugal space of a drum into a lighter phase (usually a well-flowing or liquid phase) and a heavier phase (e.g. a solid phase).

[0003] The lighter phase is led out of the drum via a liquid discharge device (e.g. via grippers or stripping disks), while the solid phase is discharged discontinuously during operation through closable and openable discharge openings on the outer circumference of the drum. With these discharges, on the one hand, the solids are discharged from the centrifugal space of the drum, and on the other hand, the flow generated during the discharge ensures that the sediment is flushed out of the disk package and out of the rotating drum.

[0004] In a mouthpiece separator, the heavy phase (eg, solid phase) is discharged continuously through mouthpieces on the outer periphery of the barrel.

[0005] When cleaning products, such as instant coffee, which adhere to the surfaces of the separating disk and the cartridge, the following problem arises: the adhering residues can only be removed or cleaned from the separating disk with considerable effort.

[0006] Therefore, when processing such products or suspensions to be centrifuged, which tend to adhere to or clog the disc pack or the barrel of the separator or can cause such an effect, a so-called "complete emptying" and subsequent "flushing" are usually carried out at regular time intervals, in particular during the "separation" operating phase between two solids emptyings, wherein in particular product deposits are to be flushed out of the disc pack.

[0007] During such complete emptying, the product inlet is interrupted, the product is discharged from the cartridge along with the flushing liquid, and the collected solids together with the flushing liquid in the cartridge are completely emptied from the separator. The complete emptying can be performed at the operating speed of the centrifugal separator or also at a reduced speed.

[0008] This complete emptying of the separator is carried out in particular with the inlet closed, so that the cartridge can be completely emptied. Subsequently, for "rinsing", a flushing liquid, for example hot water, is flushed through the cartridge (inlet, distributor, disc assembly, gripper (also called stripping disc) and outlet) instead of the suspension to be separated.

[0009] In addition to this flushing, a further flushing drain can optionally be performed, i.e. after the cartridge is filled with flushing liquid, the drain opening of the cartridge for draining solids is temporarily opened from a closed state, so that an impact flow of flushing liquid from the disk package and the solid space through the drain opening is caused in order to obtain a stronger cleaning effect.

[0010] In this way, product deposits that have adhered to the surfaces of the separation discs and the barrel are removed so that the subsequent further separation process is not affected by these deposits. In the operating mode "rinsing", the path of the flushing liquid through the separator is the same as the path of the product to be processed or the suspension to be processed.

[0011] In the region of the distributor and the drain opening, the rinsing liquid flows during rinsing essentially in the direction of the centrifugal force and in the region of the disk package essentially against the direction of the centrifugal force. The introduction of the rinsing liquid takes place when the inlet valve of the suspension feed line is closed and when the clean fluid valve of the rinsing liquid feed line is open. For example, the rinsing liquid can be discharged from the cartridge by discharging the light phase. If mixing of the rinsing liquid with the light phase is undesirable, a separate discharge must be provided using a suitable valve.

[0012] In addition to the power input to the pump, the flow of the suspension or flushing liquid to be separated is determined by the different radii at which the inlet into the drum or the outlet from the drum is realized. The radius at which the outlet is located is larger than the radius at which the inlet is located, thereby generating a pressure drop in the rotating drum that assists the throughflow.

[0013] At the end of production, i.e. after a number of operating phases “separating” and “rinsing”, an operating phase “cleaning” may follow, in order to clean all product-contacted surfaces even more intensively, for example in CIP cleaning (“cleaning in place”), with corresponding cleaning liquids such as acids, lyes and water, in accordance with the hygiene requirements of the food industry, for example, than would be possible by rinsing during the operating phase “rinsing”. In this case, different cleaning liquids such as lyes and acids are used as cleaning agents and are conducted through the separator on the same path as already described for the suspension or rinsing liquid.

[0014] Unlike the flushing liquid (often water), the cleaning liquid should not come into contact with the product to be separated, the suspension or the separated phase. Corresponding valves in the inlet and outlet lines are used here to strictly separate the cleaning agent from the suspension or the separated phase.

[0015] EP 2 628 545 A1 shows a CIP system for a separator, in which cleaning liquid is conveyed from a storage container to an inlet of the separator by means of a pump and the cleaning liquid discharged from the liquid outlet of the separator is directed back into the storage container.

[0016] It is known from DE 10 20 2010 4 990 A1 that during CIP cleaning, a cleaning fluid flows through the product path.

[0017] DE 10 2017 111 672 A1 describes that the change in rotational speed dn during emptying as a function of time dt (dn / dt) can be an indication of contamination in the cartridge.

[0018] Disadvantageously, in these solutions of the prior art, the separator is not always clean enough when the contaminants are stubborn, as can be formed, for example, when centrifuging instant coffee using a self-emptying separator. In addition, the productivity of the separator is affected by flushing and / or CIP cleaning processes according to the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0019] Starting from the prior art explained at the outset, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for flushing and / or CIP cleaning of self-emptying separators for the continuous treatment of suspensions, wherein there is the risk of contamination or even clogging of the disk package and / or the centrifuge chamber during the centrifugation of the suspension.

[0020] The invention achieves this object by means of a method as claimed in claim 1 .

[0021] Therefore, a method for centrifuging a flowable product with a separator and for flushing and / or CIP cleaning of the separator is proposed, the separator having a rotatable drum and a product flow path for the flowable product to be treated in a centrifugal field in the drum, the product flowing through the product flow path in a product flow direction during the centrifugation, the method comprising the following steps:

[0022] 100) providing the separator;

[0023] 200) Implement centrifugal treatment of the product,

[0024] 300) interrupting the centrifugation process and alternately performing

[0025] a) flushing or CIP cleaning of at least a portion of the product path of the separator cartridge in the product flow direction and

[0026] b) flushing or CIP cleaning of at least a portion of the product path of the cartridge completely or partially against the product flow direction, and (preferably)

[0027] 400) Continue the step 200) of centrifuging the product.

[0028] This provides a rinsing and / or cleaning method which supplements the centrifugation treatment and which, due to the different flow directions, achieves a significantly improved cleaning of the contaminated surfaces of the cartridge and its inserts.

[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that when the product path of the barrel of the separator is flushed in the product flow direction or CIP cleaning, the cleaning fluid is guided into the barrel through the inlet and is guided out of the barrel through the open solid discharge opening, and when the product path of the barrel of the separator is partially flushed against the product flow direction or CIP cleaning, the cleaning fluid is guided into the barrel through the outlet and is guided out of the barrel through the open solid discharge opening. This type of cleaning is usually particularly effective.

[0030] Particularly suitable is a method for a separator, which has the following parts: a centrifugal space, which is constructed within the cartridge; an inlet into the centrifugal space, into which a product feed line and a first flushing and / or CIP feed line open, an inlet valve VS being connected to the product feed line and a cleaning fluid valve being connected to the first CIP feed line; at least one first outlet for a first product phase, which opens into a discharge line; at least one second outlet for a solid second product phase, which is continuously openable or discontinuously openable and reclosable; a controllable cleaning fluid valve, which is connected to a second CIP feed line, which opens into the discharge line upstream of a discharge valve, which is connected to the discharge line.

[0031] In this way, higher flow rates of flushing or CIP cleaning agents are possible, in particular in the region of the disk pack of the separator, thereby achieving significantly improved cleaning of contaminated surfaces of the cartridge and its inserts, in particular in the region of the disk pack and the centrifuge space.

[0032] According to an alternative, it can be provided that the second outlet for the second product phase has one or more permanently open mouths. However, it can also be provided alternatively that the second outlet for the second product phase has one or more closable and openable solid discharge openings, one or more closing elements for discontinuously opening and closing the solid discharge openings being assigned to the solid discharge openings, and at least one control system for moving the closing element or the closing elements being provided. Combinations of these second outlets (mouths on the one hand and closable solid discharge openings on the other hand) are also conceivable.

[0033] Thus, not only in the mouth separator but also in the self-emptying separator, can implement this flushing according to at least one or preferably multiple times against the product flow direction of the present invention. In the latter, the emptying opening must be opened for this reason, and in the mouth separator, this has been provided by the mouth hole.

[0034] Preferably, it is provided that the separator also has a control device, which is provided with a control program, by means of which the method for centrifuging a flowable product with a separator and for flushing and / or CIP cleaning the separator is controlled. The control device can be arranged directly on the separator or partly on the separator and partly at another location. In this case, a cloud service can also be integrated into the control or implementation of the control device.

[0035] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that step 300) is repeatedly performed for each cleaning process. Thus, a particularly thorough cleaning is achieved. After step 300), the centrifugation can preferably be continued in step 400). It is then possible to subsequently perform step 300 once or more, if necessary at intervals. Thus, steps 200) and 300) can also be repeatedly passed through in a cyclic manner.

[0036] According to another particularly preferred embodiment variant, it can be provided that the flushing and / or CIP cleaning process is carried out in step 300) after the inlet valve is closed at the end of step 200) and the solids discharge opening for the solids SP is permanently opened or has been opened. Thus, the prerequisites for flushing or CIP cleaning in the product flow direction are provided by a simple control process.

[0037] Furthermore, according to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that after the drum has been completely emptied and has lost its speed, it is waited until the drum has again reached a higher speed, in particular an operating speed, and then the cleaning fluid valve is opened for a period of time, preferably for a few seconds, and the flushing or CIP cleaning fluid is introduced into the feed line and further into the feed pipe into the drum, while the drum remains open. In this way, flushing or CIP cleaning can be introduced in the product flow direction by a simple control process.

[0038] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the flushing or CIP cleaning fluid flows through the central supply pipe, the distributor channel and the first, in particular lower, region of the cartridge, from where it again leaves the cartridge through the open solids discharge opening for solids. The central supply pipe, the distributor channel and the first, in particular lower, region of the cartridge are thereby flushed or cleaned in a targeted manner.

[0039] Furthermore, according to another particularly preferred embodiment variant, it can be provided that after a duration, preferably after a few seconds, the rinsing process in which the cartridge again loses rotational speed is stopped, during which the cleaning fluid valve in the first CIP feed line is closed. Thus, rinsing or CIP cleaning in the product flow direction can also be stopped by a simple control process.

[0040] According to another particularly preferred embodiment variant, it can be provided that: the speed is waited for to increase to the operating speed and then a further cleaning fluid valve is opened for a period of time, preferably for a few seconds, the further cleaning fluid valve being connected to a second CIP feed line, the second CIP feed line opening into the discharge line upstream of a discharge valve connected to the discharge line, and flushing or CIP cleaning fluid is guided into the cartridge via the second CIP feed line and the discharge line.

[0041] In this context, according to another particularly preferred embodiment variant of the invention, it can be provided that the flushing or CIP cleaning fluid flows through the central discharge line, the stripping discs, the separation disc stack and the preferably upper second region of the cartridge in order to leave the cartridge again through the open solids discharge opening for the solids SP. As a result, the central discharge line, the stripping discs, the separation disc stack and the preferably upper second region of the cartridge are cleaned in a targeted manner.

[0042] Furthermore, according to another particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that after a duration, preferably a few seconds, the rinsing and cleaning process in which the cartridge has lost its rotational speed is stopped, during which the cleaning fluid valve VSF2 is closed. Thus, rinsing or CIP cleaning in the opposite direction of the product flow direction is also stopped by a simple control process.

[0043] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that during flushing or CIP cleaning of the separation disk stack and the upper region of the cartridge against the product flow direction, the flow through does not take place against the centrifugal force, but essentially in the direction of the centrifugal force. This results in a more intense flow through, i.e. an increased throughput (volume / time) of the flushing or CIP cleaning fluid compared to the prior art, thereby making possible a higher flow rate of the flushing or cleaning fluid. This higher flow rate results in a significantly improved cleaning of the contaminated surfaces of the cartridge and its inserts.

[0044] Furthermore, according to another particularly preferred embodiment variant, it can be provided that the flushing or CIP cleaning fluid preferably has a temperature between 40° C. and 90° C. and is particularly preferably heated to a temperature between 50° C. and 70° C. This results in a particularly intensive cleaning of the cartridge and its inserts.

[0045] According to another particularly preferred embodiment variant, it can be provided that the flushing and emptying of the cartridge is omitted in the flushing or CIP cleaning method. This results in an advantageous productivity increase for the separator, since no centrifugal separation process can be performed during the flushing and emptying.

[0046] Likewise, according to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that typical measured values, in particular the value Δn of the speed drop and the speed of the speed drop Δn / Δt, are evaluated by the control program during the emptying of the cartridge, and by means of the evaluation of these data, the degree of contamination of the region of the separation disc stack or the centrifuge space in which the solids SP are collected is inferred in the control (see DE 10 2017 111 672 A1). As a result, the flushing or CIP cleaning process can be carried out in a targeted manner according to the actual degree of contamination of the cartridge and its contents, which can save flushing and / or CIP cleaning fluid and optimize operation overall.

[0047] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a certain number of flushing or CIP cleaning processes are carried out, which respectively include forward flushing and backward flushing when the measured values ​​Δn and Δn / Δt indicate a defined degree of contamination. By repeating the flushing or CIP cleaning processes, the degree of contamination of the cartridge and its inserts can be reduced in a targeted manner over a long period of time until the measured values ​​indicate a clean cartridge.

[0048] Furthermore, according to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, provision can be made that when the rinsing process no longer results in adequate cleaning, CIP cleaning with a cleaning fluid such as acid or alkaline solution is initiated, thereby advantageously reducing the consumption of CIP cleaning fluid.

[0049] Furthermore, according to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that when the measured values ​​for the speed drop Δn and the speed drop rate Δn / Δt during the emptying of the drum show that the CIP cleaning is no longer sufficiently clean, the separator is stopped and disassembled for mechanical cleaning. As a result, the disassembly for cleaning the separator is carried out as required and not according to rigid maintenance cycles, which also advantageously contributes to the above-mentioned savings and thus to an increase in the productivity of the separator and a reduction in the operating costs of the separator.

[0050] The invention also provides an advantageous separator according to claim 18 for carrying out the method according to one or more of the method claims, the separator having at least the features of claims 1 and 2 with respect to the separator and preferably according to one or more developments with the features of one or more of the other dependent claims with respect to the separator, in particular a control device, which is provided with a control program by means of which the method according to any of the method claims can be carried out, and the separator also having in particular a controllable clean fluid valve, which is connected to a second CIP feed line, which opens into the discharge line upstream of a discharge valve connected to the discharge line. With such a separator, which is expanded at least by some valves compared to the prior art, the method can be carried out in a simple manner.

[0051] Further advantageous embodiments emerge from the remaining dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using embodiments.

[0053] Figure 1a A schematic diagram showing a partial section of a separator according to the invention in the operating state "separating";

[0054] Figure 1b Show Figure 1a A schematic diagram of a separator in a partially cutaway form in the operating state "flushing" during a first flushing process;

[0055] Figure 1c Show Figure 1a A schematic diagram of a separator in a partially cutaway form in the operating state "flushing" during the second flushing process;

[0056] Figure 2 showing a speed-time table; and

[0057] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a separator according to the prior art is shown, partly in section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Figure 3 A centrifugal separator constructed as a separator is shown, which has a rotatable barrel 1. The separator and its barrel 1 can be designed for continuous operation, that is, continuous and non-batch processing of products or suspensions S. In this treatment, the suspension S to be processed is continuously conveyed during the separation and separated into phases of different densities. For example, the liquid LP (light phase) can be separated or clarified from the solid phase SP (heavier phase) as a product. Optionally, the liquid can be separated into two liquid phases LP1 and LP2 of different densities. In addition, it is also possible to concentrate the solid phase SP as a valuable product from the output product and separate it from the lighter phase LP. The outlet of one or more of the liquid phases is preferably carried out continuously. The solid phase can be continuously (mouth separator, not shown) or discontinuously (self-emptying separator).

[0059] The barrel 1 may have a vertical axis of rotation D. The axis of rotation is placed on a spindle X in a non-rotatable manner, which in turn can be rotated by a drive motor (not shown here). The spindle X can be supported and rotatably supported on a frame G (not shown here in its entirety). In the conically shaped barrel 1, a separation disc stack 3 consisting of conical separation discs 4 is arranged in the barrel interior space (also referred to as the centrifugal space 2) (here exemplarily biconical). The separation discs 4 are arranged on a distributor shaft 5 of the distributor. An inlet Z with an inlet pipe 6 protruding into the barrel 1 is used to guide the product or suspension S to be processed into a distributor channel 7 and from the distributor channel into the centrifugal space 2.

[0060] The inlet Z also has a feed line 61 which opens into the feed pipe 6. Via this feed line 61, the product to be treated or the suspension S or a CIP cleaning fluid such as cleaning liquid can be selectively introduced into the cartridge.

[0061] The path followed by the product or suspension S and its individual phases into, through and out of the cartridge 1 is also referred to herein as the "product path" or "product flow direction".

[0062] In the centrifuge space 2 , the product or suspension S to be processed is clarified into solids SP (and optionally additionally separated into two or more liquid phases LP1 , LP2 of different density (not shown here)) in a centrifugal field during rotation of the drum 1 .

[0063] A first outlet A1 or a plurality of first outlets A1 for one or more liquid phases LP1 , LP2 are used for discharging the at least one liquid phase LP1 , which first outlets A1 may be provided with a stripping disk 8 , for example (but not necessarily), and may each open into a discharge line 9 .

[0064] Conversely, the solid (which may also constitute a still flowable solid phase SP) is discharged via a second outlet A2, which has circumferentially distributed, radially extending solid discharge openings 10 extending outwardly from the cylinder 1, preferably in the region of the cylinder's maximum radius / circumference, from which the solid is discharged to the outside.

[0065] Here, the solids discharge opening 10 is preferably provided with a discontinuously operating or controllable closing mechanism. In this embodiment, the closing mechanism has a preferably fluid-actuated piston slide valve 11, which closes in one position and releases or opens the solids discharge opening 10 in another position, so that solids can be discharged in this open state.

[0066] The centrifuged phase product or suspension S is thus discharged from the centrifuge space 2 via a first outlet, here with the stripping disk 8 , and a second outlet with the solids discharge openings 10 , if these are opened discontinuously from time to time.

[0067] The cartridge 1 can be surrounded by a cap 12. This cap 12 is designed here purely by way of example to be double-walled, so that a fluid can flow through this double-walled section 13 or it can also be filled with a partition.

[0068] A cover interior space 14 is formed between the cylinder 1 and the cover 12 , and the cover interior space 14 may have or be formed with a solids catcher 15 facing downward, which is used to collect solids SP discharged from the cylinder 1 .

[0069] For this purpose, the piston slide valve 11 can move axially in a limited manner in (or on) the cylinder 1 and can be moved into an upper and lower position. Figure 3 In the left half, the cartridge 1 of the piston slide valve 11 is shown in the lower position and in the right half, the cartridge 1 is shown in the upper position. In the lower position, the solid discharge opening 10 is open, and in the upper position, the solid discharge opening 10 is closed, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 Shown in.

[0070] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment, the piston slide valve 11 is arranged internally in the cartridge 1. However, the piston slide valve can alternatively also be arranged externally on the cartridge 1 (not shown here), where it can then be moved axially in a limited manner in order to open and close the solid discharge opening.

[0071] However, the closing mechanism for the solids discharge opening 10 can also be actuated electromechanically (not shown here).

[0072] Thus, a treatment of the product or suspension S can be carried out, wherein the product or suspension S is separated into different product phases in the centrifuge space 2. Alternatively, however, a "flushing" or "cleaning" with a fluid, for example water, can also be carried out with complete emptying of the cartridge 1 and / or a CIP cleaning (cleaning in place) of the product path through which the cartridge 1 including the inlet and outlet of the cartridge is guided can be carried out with an alkaline solution or an acid.

[0073] According to Figure 3 The prior art shown in FIG. 1 may provide that the feed line 61 has a product introduction line 601 leading into the feed line 61 and a first flushing and / or first CIP introduction line 602 leading into the feed line 61. S Or clean the fluid valve V SF1 It can be connected to the product introduction pipeline 601 or the CIP introduction pipeline 602 so that by opening and closing the corresponding input valve V S Or clean the fluid valve V SF1 The CIP liquid can be guided through the CIP introduction line 602 or the product or suspension S to be treated can be guided through the product introduction line 601 to the introduction line 61 and the input pipe 6 entering the centrifugal space 2.

[0074] The control of these valves and other controllable devices of the separator can be carried out by means of a control device (not shown here), with which the different valves and optionally other controllable devices of the separator can be controlled wirelessly or via control lines. This control device can have a memory and a microprocessor and can be connected to the controllable devices via a wired or wireless connection. Sensors or the like can also be connected to the control device. The control device can be directly or indirectly connected to a display device and, if necessary, an input device via an intermediately connected device. The control device can be provided with a program so that the method process can be controlled during centrifugation and during rinsing / cleaning.

[0075] During CIP cleaning, the cleaning fluid valve V SF1 Open and place the input valve V S closure.

[0076] During CIP cleaning of the product path of the cartridge 1 according to the prior art, one or more cleaning fluids for CIP cleaning, such as CIP cleaning fluids, in particular CIP liquids, are introduced into the product path via the first CIP introduction line 602 and the opened cleaning fluid valve V SF1 Via the feed line 61 and the feed pipe 6 , the fluid flows into the centrifuge chamber 2 . From there, the corresponding CIP cleaning fluid flows out via the discharge line 9 and the open solids discharge opening 10 .

[0077] In this way, the product path through which flow occurs in the product flow direction during the centrifugal separation of the product or its phases during operation of the separator (here the feed line 61, the feed pipe 6, the distributor 7, the centrifugal space 2, the disk package 3, the stripping disk 8, the discharge device 9 and the solids discharge opening 10 and, if necessary, the solids catcher 15) can be cleaned, in particular CIP cleaning.

[0078] The piston slide valve 11 may be provided with a device for moving the piston slide valve upward (in Figure 3 to the right of the axis of rotation D) or below (in Figure 3 2 ) in an actuator system such as a control system 20. This actuator system has a control fluid path through which a control fluid flows during operation.

[0079] When clarifying a product, for example, when clarifying instant coffee adhering to the surface of the separation disk 4 and the cartridge 1, the following problem arises: the adhering residues can only be cleaned with considerable effort according to the above-described method of operation. Therefore, the present invention adopts another approach.

[0080] exist Figure 1a FIG. 4 shows a separator according to the invention in the operating state “separating”, which, unlike the prior art, can have an additional outlet valve V in the outlet line 9. LP .

[0081] The discharge line 9 can be passed through the discharge valve V LP Open or closed. At the discharge valve V LP Upstream ( Figure 1a The arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of the individual phases). The second CIP inlet line 91 can be connected to the discharge line 9. The second CIP inlet line 91 can be connected to the discharge line 9 through another clean fluid valve V SF2 Open or closed.

[0082] In the centrifugal separation Figure 1a In the operating state shown in FIG. , the input valve V in the product introduction pipeline 601 S Open so that the product or suspension S can flow continuously into the cylinder 1 of the separator. In addition, the discharge valve V in the discharge line 9 of the liquid phase LP LP Opening allows the liquid phase LP, which has flowed out of the separation disk stack 3 and is guided out of the cartridge 1 via the stripping disks 8 , to be discharged continuously from the cartridge 1 .

[0083] On the contrary, the clean fluid valve V of the first CIP introduction pipeline 602 SF1 and the clean fluid valve V of the second CIP introduction pipeline 91 SF2 Closed in this operating state.

[0084] The solids SP collected in the centrifugal space 2 in the area of ​​the maximum diameter of the barrel 1 are opened at time intervals by opening the solid discharge opening 10 of the barrel 1 by correspondingly loading the control system 20 with a control fluid, whereby the piston slide valve 11 moves to the open position, so that the solids SP are emptied / discharged from the barrel 1 into the solids catcher 15.

[0085] In the present invention, the flushing and flushing emptying described above (according to the prior art) can be replaced by a flushing or CIP cleaning process in which the flushing or cleaning liquid is led through the feed line 6 at least once or several times in an alternating manner (i.e. flushing or cleaning is carried out in the product flow direction, see Figure 1b ) or via the discharge line 9 and the stripping disc 8 of the light phase LP into the rotating and opened cartridge 1 "against the product flow direction" (i.e. flushing or cleaning is carried out against the product flow direction, see Figure 1c ). Thus, the flushing and CIP cleaning process has "forward flushing" and "backward flushing".

[0086] The term "flushing" in the present context refers to the flow through of a flushing fluid in the product flow direction and / or also counter to the product flow direction, the flushing fluid being preferably water. The term "cleaning" or "CIP cleaning" in the present context refers to the flow through of a cleaning fluid suitable for CIP cleaning in the product flow direction and / or also counter to the product flow direction, the cleaning fluid being a base or an acid.

[0087] This flushing and / or CIP cleaning process is preferably carried out at the inlet valve V S This takes place after the closing chamber of the control system 20 has been completely emptied by means of complete emptying and the piston slide valve 11 has thus permanently released the solid discharge opening 10 for the solid matter SP.

[0088] After the closing chamber of the control system 20 has been completely emptied (in which case the cartridge 1 has lost its speed), it is then preferred to wait until the cartridge 1 has again reached a higher speed, in particular an operating speed. The cleaning fluid valve V is then closed for a period of time (preferably a few seconds). SF1 The flushing or CIP cleaning fluid is opened and conducted via the first CIP feed line 602 into the feed line 61 and further into the feed pipe 6 which enters the cartridge 1 .

[0089] During this flushing process according to the invention, the cartridge 1 remains open. As a result, flushing or CIP cleaning fluid can be (see Figure 1b) flows through the central feed line 6, the distributor channel 7 and the lower area of ​​the cartridge 1 in order to leave the cartridge 1 again through the open solid discharge opening 10 for the solids SP. After a duration (preferably a few seconds), the flushing process is stopped (in which case the cartridge 1 has lost its rotational speed again), i.e. the cleaning fluid valve V is closed. SF1 closure.

[0090] Then, it is possible to wait again for the speed to preferably increase to the operating speed and then to close the cleaning fluid valve V for a short period of time (preferably a few seconds). SF2 The flushing or cleaning fluid is opened and conducted through the discharge line 9 into the cartridge 1 .

[0091] Thus, flushing or CIP cleaning fluids can be used (see Figure 1c ) flows through the central discharge line 9, the stripping disks 8, the separating disk stack 3 and the upper region of the cartridge 1 in order to leave the cartridge 1 again through the open solid discharge opening 10 for the solids SP.

[0092] Unlike in the prior art, the flow through the separation disc stack 3 and the upper area of ​​the cartridge 1 during the rinsing and / or CIP cleaning process according to the invention preferably occurs against the product flow direction and no longer against the centrifugal force, but essentially in the direction of the centrifugal force, making a more intense flow, i.e. a flow with a higher processing capacity (volume / time) and thus a higher flow rate of the rinsing or cleaning liquid, possible.

[0093] This higher flow rate results in a significantly improved cleaning of the contaminated surfaces of the cartridge 1 and its inserts. It has proven to be advantageous here to heat the flushing or CIP cleaning liquid to a temperature preferably between 40°C and 90°C, particularly preferably between 50°C and 70°C.

[0094] After a duration (preferably a few seconds), this flushing can be stopped (in which case the cartridge 1 has lost its rotational speed), wherein the cleaning fluid valve V SF2 closure.

[0095] It has proven surprising that in the described flushing and / or CIP cleaning method according to the invention, it is generally possible to dispense with flushing and emptying of the cartridge 1 as in the prior art.

[0096] As already described, the cartridge 1 loses speed when it is emptied (in this case completely empty) (see Figure 2 ).

[0097] Even during flushing and / or CIP cleaning of the opened cartridge 1 , the cartridge 1 loses noticeable rotational speed for the same reasons.

[0098] From the course of typical measured values, for example from the value Δn of the rotational speed drop during the emptying of the cartridge and the speed of the rotational speed drop Δn / Δt, it is possible to draw conclusions about the degree of contamination in the cartridge 1 , i.e. in the region of the separation disk stack 3 or the centrifuge space 2 , in which the solids SP collect.

[0099] The solid matter SP is emptied more slowly from the contaminated cartridge 1 , which is shown in the behavior of the associated drop in speed Δn / Δt. Thus, the course of the measurement curve of the drop in speed Δn / Δt is steeper for a clean cartridge 1 than for a contaminated cartridge 1 .

[0100] If the measured values ​​thus determined show a certain degree of contamination, then a corresponding number of flushing processes can be reacted, each of which includes the forward flushing (and backward flushing) described above. Thus, the number of flushing processes can be specifically adapted to the degree of contamination of the cartridge 1 and the separation disc stack 3.

[0101] If such a flushing process using, for example, hot water no longer results in sufficient cleaning of the cartridge 1, or more precisely of the separation disk stack 3, then a CIP cleaning using cleaning liquids (such as acids and lyes) is required, which (as described above for the flushing process) is preferably also carried out in the product flow direction and against the product flow direction.

[0102] Compared to strictly time-determined CIP cleaning cycles, this method can be used to react as required and advantageously save not only rinsing water, cleaning fluid, energy and time. During CIP cleaning, the cleaning fluid can be guided through the cartridge 1 and the separation disk stack 3 similarly to the rinsing fluid.

[0103] If the measured value Δn for the drop in speed and the speed of the drop in speed Δn / Δt during the emptying of the drum show that adequate cleaning of the drum 1 and the separation disk stack 3 is not possible even by CIP cleaning, the separator must be stopped and disassembled for mechanical cleaning. This is also done on demand and not according to rigid maintenance cycles, which also contributes to the above-mentioned savings and thus to an increase in the productivity of the separator and a reduction in the operating costs of the separator.

[0104] These analyses are preferably performed using a control program of the control device.

[0105] Reference numerals list

[0106] Tube 1

[0107] Centrifugal Space 2

[0108] Separation disc stack 3

[0109] Separation plate 4

[0110] Distributor shaft 5

[0111] Input pipe 6

[0112] Input line 61

[0113] Product introduction pipeline 601

[0114] First CIP introduction pipeline 602

[0115] Distributor channel 7

[0116] Stripping disc 8

[0117] Discharge line 9

[0118] Second CIP introduction pipeline 91

[0119] Solids discharge opening 10

[0120] Piston slide valve 11

[0121] Hood 12

[0122] Double wall section 13

[0123] Hood internal space 14

[0124] Solids catcher 15

[0125] Control system 20

[0126] Exit A1, A2

[0127] Spindle X

[0128] Rack G

[0129] Rotation axis D

[0130] Entrance Z

[0131] Input valve V S

[0132] Cleaning fluid valve V SF1

[0133] Cleaning fluid valve V SF2

[0134] Valve V LP

[0135] Suspension S

[0136] Solid SP

[0137] Liquid Phase LP

Claims

1. A method for centrifugally treating a flowable product with a separator and for flushing and / or CIP cleaning the separator, the separator having a rotatable drum (1) and a product flow path for the flowable product to be treated in a centrifugal field in the drum (1), the product flowing through the product flow path in a product flow direction during the centrifugation, characterized by the following steps: 100) providing the separator; 200) Implement centrifugal treatment of the product, 300) interrupting the centrifugation process and alternately performing a) flushing or CIP cleaning of at least a portion of the product path of the separator cartridge (1) in the product flow direction and b) flushing or CIP cleaning of at least a portion of the product path of the cartridge (1) completely or partially against the product flow direction, and 400) Preferably, the step 200) of centrifuging the product is continued.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the separator comprises the following parts: i. a centrifugal space (2), wherein the centrifugal space is constructed within the cylinder (1), ii. an inlet (Z) into the centrifugal space (2), a product introduction line (601) and a first flushing and / or CIP introduction line (602) opening into the inlet (P), a controllable input valve (VS) connected to the product introduction line (601) and a controllable clean fluid valve (VSF1) connected to the first CIP introduction line (602); iii. at least one first outlet (A1) for a first product phase (LP), said first outlet (A1) opening into a discharge line (9); iv. at least one second outlet for a second, in particular solid, product phase (SP), which is continuously openable or discontinuously openable and reclosable; v. A controllable clean fluid valve (VSF2), which is connected to a second CIP inlet line (91), which opens into the discharge line (9) upstream of a discharge valve (VLP), and the discharge valve is connected to the discharge line (9). 3 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the second outlet for the second product phase (SP) has one or more permanently open nozzles. 4 .

4. The method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that The second outlet for the second product phase (SP) has one or more closable and openable solid discharge openings (10), one or more closing elements for discontinuously opening and closing the solid discharge openings (10) are assigned to the solid discharge openings, and at least one control system (20) is provided for moving the one closing element or the plurality of closing elements.

5. According to the method described in any one of the above claims, the separator also has a control device, which is provided with a control program, using which the method for centrifugally treating a flowable product using the separator and for flushing and / or CIP cleaning the separator is controlled.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that When flushing or CIP cleaning the product path of the barrel (1) of the separator in the product flow direction, the cleaning fluid is introduced into the barrel through the inlet and is respectively guided out of the barrel through the open solid discharge opening (10), and when flushing or CIP cleaning the product path of the barrel (1) of the separator partially against the product flow direction, the cleaning fluid is introduced into the barrel through the outlet and is respectively guided out of the barrel through the open solid discharge opening (10).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Step 300) is repeatedly performed for each cleaning process.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that After the inlet valve VS is closed at the end of step (200) and the solids discharge opening (10) for the solids (SP) is permanently opened or has been opened, the flushing and / or CIP cleaning process is carried out in step (300).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that After the drum (1) has been completely emptied and has lost its rotational speed, wait until the drum (1) has reached a higher rotational speed again, in particular an operating speed, then open the cleaning fluid valve (VSF1) for a period of time, preferably for a few seconds, and guide the flushing or CIP cleaning fluid through the first CIP inlet line (602) into the supply line (61) and further into the supply pipe (6) entering the drum (1), the solid discharge opening of the drum (1) remaining open.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The flushing or CIP cleaning liquid flows through a central supply line (6), a distributor channel (7) and a first, in particular lower, region of the cartridge (1), from where it flows out of the cartridge (1) through the open solids discharge opening (10) for solids (SP).

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that After the duration has expired, preferably after a few seconds, the flushing process in which the cartridge (1) has again lost its rotational speed is stopped, during which the clean fluid valve (VSF1) in the first CIP feed line (602) is closed.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Wait for the speed to rise to the operating speed, and then open the controllable clean fluid valve (VSF2) for a period of time, preferably for a few seconds, the clean fluid valve being connected to the second CIP inlet line (91), the second CIP inlet line leading into the discharge line (9) upstream of the controllable discharge valve (VLP) connected to the discharge line (9), and guiding the flushing or CIP cleaning fluid into the cartridge (1) through the second CIP inlet line (91) and the discharge line (9).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The rinsing or CIP cleaning liquid flows via the central discharge line (9) and the stripping disk (8) into the cartridge (1), where it flows through the separation disk stack (3) and the preferably upper second region of the cartridge (1) in order to leave the cartridge (1) again through the open solids discharge opening (10) for the solids SP.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that After a duration, preferably a few seconds, the rinsing and cleaning process in which the cartridge (1) has lost its rotational speed is stopped, during which the cleaning fluid valve (VSF2) is closed.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The rinsing or CIP cleaning liquid has a temperature between 40°C and 90°C and particularly preferably between 50°C and 70°C.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control program is used to analyze typical measured values ​​during the emptying of the drum, in particular the value Δn of the rotational speed drop and the speed of the rotational speed drop Δn / Δt, and with the help of the analysis of these data, the control is used to infer the degree of contamination of the area of ​​the separation disk stack (3) or the centrifuge space (2) in which the solids SP are collected.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A certain number of flushing or CIP cleaning processes are carried out, which flushing or cleaning processes respectively include forward flushing and backward flushing when the measured values ​​Δn and Δn / Δt indicate a defined degree of contamination.

18. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that When the rinsing process no longer results in adequate cleaning, CIP cleaning with cleaning fluids such as acids and alkalis is initiated.

19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that When the measured values ​​for the rotational speed drop Δn and the speed of the rotational speed drop Δn / Δt during the emptying of the drum show that the CIP cleaning is no longer sufficient, the separator is stopped and disassembled for mechanical cleaning.

20. A separator for carrying out the method according to any one or more of the preceding claims, the separator having a rotatable drum (1) and a product flow path for a mobile product to be treated in a centrifugal field in the drum (1), the product flowing through the product flow path in a product flow direction during the centrifugal treatment, the separator having the following parts: i. a centrifugal space (2), wherein the centrifugal space is constructed within the cylinder (1), ii. an inlet (Z) into the centrifugal space (2), a product introduction line (601) and a first flushing and / or CIP introduction line (602) leading into the inlet (Z), an input valve (VS) connected to the product introduction line (601) and a clean fluid valve (VSF1) connected to the first CIP introduction line (602); iii. at least one first outlet (A1) for a first product phase (LP), said first outlet (A1) opening into a discharge line (9); iv. at least one continuously openable or discontinuously openable and reclosable second outlet for the solid second product phase (SP), and v. a controllable clean fluid valve (VSF2), which is connected to a second CIP inlet line (91), which opens into the discharge line (9) upstream of a discharge valve (VLP) connected to the discharge line (9), and vi. A control device provided with a control program by means of which the method according to any of the preceding claims can be controlled.

21. The separator according to claim 20, characterized in that The second outlet for the second product phase (SP) has one or more permanently open mouths.

22. The separator according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that The second outlet for the second product phase (SP) has one or more closable and openable solid discharge openings (10), one or more closing elements for discontinuously opening and closing the solid discharge openings (10) are assigned to the solid discharge openings, and at least one control system (20) is provided for moving the one or more closing elements.

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