Multi-channel rotary seal

Abstract

A rotary seal is provided that is configured to convert a batch centrifuge rotor to a continuous flow centrifuge rotor. The rotary seal includes a static feed and a rotary module. The static feed hub includes: an internal coolant chamber configured to provide cooling to an assembly of the rotating seal; a first fluid channel; a second fluid channel; and third and fourth passages fluidly connected to the internal coolant chamber through which the fluid coolant is provided. The rotary module includes a first plurality of openings and a second plurality of openings in fluid communication with the first and second fluid channels of the static feed hub, respectively, such that the first and second liquid media pass through the rotary seal. The rotary seal further includes a bearing assembly and at least one lip seal between the static feed hub body and the rotary module.

Description

Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 380,623, filed October 24, 2022, for "Multi-channel Rotary Seal with Cooling Hub." All of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for any purpose. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to centrifuge rotors, and more particularly to a rotor for continuously processing biological suspensions in a centrifuge. Background Art

[0003] Bioreactors and fermenters are used to grow biosuspensions, which contain cells or microorganisms suspended in a liquid medium. Once the biosuspension is sufficiently grown, it is usually separated into liquid and solid components. The separated components are collected for subsequent analysis or use. Centrifugation is a common technique for separating biological components such as cells, organelles, and biopolymers, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates dispersed in the biosuspension.

[0004] Centrifugation typically involves dispensing a quantity of a suspension from a bioreactor or fermenter into a processing container, such as a bottle or bag. This process is often referred to in the industry as batch centrifugation. The loaded container is then closed and spun in a centrifuge. The centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotor in the centrifuge causes the solids in the suspension to settle and form a generally solid particle at the bottom of the container. The supernatant in the container is suspended above the precipitate, wherein the liquid contained is less dense than the precipitate. In other cases, a density gradient of isopycnic liquid layers may form in the suspension, in which liquids containing solids of similar density are stacked one on top of another. In either case, once the supernatant and precipitate or isopycnic layers are formed, the individual components can be removed from the container by decanting, pumping or otherwise, and the separated components can be gently decanted.

[0005] Conventional centrifugation processes have many disadvantages. For example, to increase throughput, especially for batch centrifuge rotors, it is often necessary to fit as many suspensions in the container as possible. However, the larger the container size, the more difficult it becomes for the operator to place and remove the container from the centrifuge. For this reason, larger container sizes may require larger rotors. Another option to increase throughput is to increase the number of containers loaded into the centrifuge. However, this may also require the use of larger rotors. Having too many containers also increases the time it takes for the operator to place and remove each batch of containers from the centrifuge. For this reason, it may not be feasible to prepare several rotors of different sizes to handle a variety of suspensions.

[0006] Another problem with batch centrifugation is removing the individual separated components from the centrifuge without disturbing the other components. This problem is exacerbated if the containers are large or difficult to remove from the centrifuge, as there is more collision between the containers, which can cause the separated components to remix.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for improved biological suspension centrifugation methods and systems. In particular, there is a need for a new method to convert a conventional batch centrifuge rotor to operate as a continuous flow rotor system, thereby increasing suspension throughput while not suffering from the above-mentioned disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention overcomes the aforementioned and other drawbacks and deficiencies of using batch rotors to centrifuge biological suspensions. Although the present invention will be discussed in conjunction with certain embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0009] According to a first embodiment, a rotary seal for an intermittent centrifuge rotor is provided. The intermittent centrifuge rotor includes a plurality of containers configured to rotate around the rotation axis of the centrifuge rotor, each container being used to contain a liquid medium for centrifugation. In this regard, each container has a liquid medium inlet and a liquid medium outlet. The intermittent centrifuge rotor can be converted to a continuous flow centrifuge rotor for operation by mounting the rotary seal on the hub of the centrifuge rotor. Therefore, the rotary seal includes a static feed hub, whose head is designed to extend through the cover of the centrifuge rotor and extends from the head to a cylindrical hub body of the base. The static feed hub also includes an internal coolant chamber intended to provide cooling to the components of the rotary seal. The static feed hub also includes: a first channel for fluidly connecting a first port located in the head to a first opening formed on the hub body; a second channel for fluidly connecting a second port located in the head to a second opening formed on the hub body; and third and fourth channels for fluidly connecting a third port and a fourth port located in the head to the internal coolant chamber for regulating the temperature of the static feed hub by providing a fluid coolant therein. The rotary seal also includes a rotating module, the rotating module including a body having an annular sidewall and a base defining a cavity (which can be considered as a rotating cavity or a rotating module cavity), and the cavity is configured to operably receive the aforementioned feed hub therein. The base includes a base insert for coupling the rotating module to the hub of the centrifuge rotor so that the rotating module rotates around the static feed hub. The body of the rotating module includes a first plurality of openings formed on the annular sidewall, each of which is in fluid communication with an opening leading to the first channel. In this regard, the first plurality of openings are configured to be fluidly connected to a liquid medium inlet of a centrifuge rotor container using a first fluid pipeline, so that the first liquid medium flows between the first fluid channel of the static feed hub and the liquid medium inlet of the centrifuge rotor container; the body of the rotating module includes a second plurality of openings formed on the annular sidewall, each of which is in fluid communication with an opening leading to the second channel. The second plurality of openings are configured to be fluidly connected to a liquid medium outlet of the centrifuge rotor container using a second fluid pipeline, so that the second liquid medium flows between the liquid medium outlet and the second fluid channel of the static feed hub. The rotary seal also includes a bearing assembly located in the rotating cavity and between the static feed hub body and the rotating module body, while at least one lip seal is located in the rotating cavity and between the static feed hub body and the rotating module body.

[0010] In one aspect, the rotary seal may include a first chamber formed between the static feed hub and the rotary module, the first chamber being configured to allow a first liquid medium to flow between a first opening leading to a first passage and each opening of a first plurality of openings formed on an annular sidewall of the rotary module. For example, the first chamber may be annular. The rotary seal may also include a second chamber formed between the static feed hub and the rotary module, the second chamber being configured to allow a second liquid medium to flow between a second opening leading to a second passage and each opening of a second plurality of openings formed on an annular sidewall of the rotary module, the second chamber being fluidically isolated from the first chamber. To this end, the second opening leading to the second fluid passage may be formed at the bottom of the static feed hub.

[0011] In another aspect, the rotating module can include a bearing cap connected to the top of the rotating module body and forming a bearing cavity configured to receive the bearing assembly. For example, in one aspect, the bearing cap includes an opening through which the static feed housing extends.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the body of the rotation module includes a first body segment, a second body segment, and a base segment, the first body segment, the second body segment, and the base segment connected together in a coaxial arrangement to form a cavity configured to receive a static feed hub. In another aspect, the first body segment includes a first plurality of openings formed therein, and the second body segment includes a second plurality of openings formed therein.

[0013] In one aspect, at least one lip seal includes a first lip seal and a second lip seal. The first lip seal can be placed between the static feed shell body and a first plurality of openings formed on the first body section, thereby forming a first chamber between the first lip seal and the shell body. In another aspect, the first lip seal includes a plurality of radially extending holes configured to allow a first liquid medium to flow between the first chamber and a first plurality of openings formed on the annular side wall of the rotating module. For example, in one aspect, each of the plurality of radially extending holes is provided with a fluid guide extending to a corresponding respective opening in the first plurality of openings formed on the annular side wall of the rotating module. In one aspect, the second lip seal can be located between the static feed shell body and the second body section, thereby forming a second chamber between the second lip seal and the second body section, the base section, and the base of the static feed hub.

[0014] According to another embodiment, a rotor assembly is provided. The rotor assembly includes a housing with a cover and a rotor that rotates with the housing and the cover. The rotor includes a plurality of containers arranged around the rotation axis of the rotor. The containers are suitable for receiving a certain amount of centrifugal liquid medium, and each container has a liquid medium inlet and a liquid medium outlet. The rotor assembly also includes a rotating seal. The rotating seal includes a static feed hub, whose head is designed to extend through the cover of the centrifuge rotor, and also includes a cylindrical hub body extending from the head to the base. The static feed hub also includes an internal coolant chamber intended to provide cooling to the components of the rotating seal. The static feed hub also includes: a first channel for fluidly connecting a first port located in the head to a first opening formed on the hub body; a second channel for fluidly connecting a second port located in the head to a second opening formed on the hub body; and third and fourth channels for fluidly connecting the third and fourth ports located in the head to the internal coolant chamber for regulating the temperature of the static feed hub by providing a fluid coolant therein. The rotary seal also includes a rotating module, the rotating module including a body having an annular sidewall and a base defining a cavity, and the cavity is configured to operably receive the aforementioned feed hub therein. The base includes a base insert for coupling the rotating module to the hub of the centrifuge rotor so that the rotating module rotates around the static feed hub. The body of the rotating module includes a first plurality of openings formed on the annular sidewall, each of which is in fluid communication with an opening leading to the first channel. In this regard, the first plurality of openings are configured to be fluidly connected to a liquid medium inlet of a centrifuge rotor container using a first fluid pipeline, so that the first liquid medium flows between the first fluid channel of the static feed hub and the liquid medium inlet of the centrifuge rotor container; the body of the rotating module includes a second plurality of openings formed on the annular sidewall, each of which is in fluid communication with an opening leading to the second channel. The second plurality of openings are configured to be fluidly connected to a liquid medium outlet of the centrifuge rotor container using a second fluid pipeline, so that the second liquid medium flows between the liquid medium outlet and the second fluid channel of the static feed hub. The rotary seal also includes a bearing assembly located within the rotating cavity and between the static feed hub body and the rotating module body, while at least one lip seal is located within the rotating cavity and between the static feed hub body and the rotating module body. In one aspect, a centrifuge is provided with a rotor assembly.

[0015] According to another aspect, the rotor assembly may further include a plurality of fluid line supports located between the rotating seal and the plurality of containers of the rotor, the supports being responsible for maintaining the position of the first fluid line and the second fluid line during the rotation of the rotor. For example, in one aspect, each of the plurality of fluid line supports includes a body having a first channel and a second channel, the first channel being configured to lead the first fluid line from one of the first plurality of openings to the liquid medium inlet of the rotor container, and the second channel being configured to lead the second fluid line from one of the second plurality of openings to the liquid medium outlet of the same rotor container.

[0016] According to yet another aspect, the rotor assembly may include a crown that can be removably connected to a rotary seal rotating module, which functions to secure a plurality of fluid line supports during rotor rotation. In one aspect, the crown may include an opening through which a head of a static feed hub extends.

[0017] According to another embodiment, a rotary seal for an intermittent centrifuge rotor is provided. The intermittent centrifuge rotor includes a plurality of containers configured to rotate about a rotation axis of the centrifuge rotor. Each container is configured to contain a liquid medium for centrifugation and has a liquid medium inlet and a first and second liquid medium outlet. The intermittent centrifuge rotor can be converted to a continuous flow centrifuge rotor for operation by mounting the rotary seal on the hub of the centrifuge rotor. In this regard, the rotary seal includes a static feed hub with a head and a cylindrical hub body extending from the head to a base. The static feed hub includes an internal coolant chamber that provides cooling to the components of the rotary seal. The static feed hub also includes: a first channel that fluidly connects a first port located on the head to a first opening formed on the hub body; a second channel that fluidly connects a second port located on the head to a second opening formed on the hub body; a third channel that fluidly connects a third port located on the head to a third opening formed on the hub body; and fourth and fifth channels that fluidly connect the fourth and fifth ports located on the head to the internal coolant chamber that regulates the temperature of the static feed hub by providing a fluid coolant therein. The rotating seal also includes a rotating module. The rotating seal includes a rotating module, the rotating module including a body having an annular sidewall and a base defining a cavity, and the cavity is configured to operably receive the aforementioned feed hub therein. The base includes a base insert for coupling the rotating module to the hub of the centrifuge rotor so that the rotating module rotates around the static feed hub. The body includes a first plurality of openings formed on the annular sidewall, each of which is in fluid communication with an opening leading to a first channel, and is configured to be fluidly connected to a liquid medium inlet of a container of a centrifuge rotor using a first fluid pipeline, so that the first liquid medium flows between the first fluid channel of the static feed hub and the liquid medium inlet of the centrifuge rotor container. The body also includes a second plurality of openings formed on the annular sidewall, each of which is in fluid communication with a second opening leading to a second channel, and is configured to be fluidly connected to a first liquid medium outlet of a container of the centrifuge rotor using a second fluid pipeline, so that the second liquid medium flows between the liquid medium outlet and the second fluid channel of the static feed hub. The body also includes a third plurality of openings formed on the annular sidewall, each of which is in fluid communication with a third opening leading to a third channel and is configured to be fluidly connected to a second liquid medium outlet of a container of the centrifuge rotor using a third fluid pipeline, so that the third liquid medium flows between the second liquid medium outlet and the third fluid channel of the static feed hub. The rotary seal also includes a bearing assembly located in the rotating cavity and between the static feed hub body and the rotating module body, and at least one lip seal is located in the rotating cavity and between the static feed hub body and the rotating module body.

[0018] According to one aspect, the rotary seal may include a first chamber formed between the static feed hub and the rotary module, the first chamber being configured to allow a first liquid medium to flow between a first opening leading to the first channel and each opening of a first plurality of openings formed on an annular sidewall of the rotary module. The rotary seal may also include a second chamber formed between the static feed hub and the rotary module, the second chamber being configured to allow a second liquid medium to flow between a second opening leading to the second channel and each opening of a second plurality of openings formed on an annular sidewall of the rotary module. In addition, the rotary seal may also include a third chamber formed between the static feed hub and the rotary module, the third chamber being configured to allow a third liquid medium to flow between a third opening leading to the third channel and each opening of a third plurality of openings formed on an annular sidewall of the rotary module. To this end, the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber are fluidically isolated from each other. In addition, the first chamber and the second chamber may be annular. In one aspect, the third chamber may be formed between the third lip seal and the third body section, the base section, and the base of the static feed hub. In another aspect, a third opening to the third fluid passage may be formed at the bottom of the static feed hub.

[0019] According to another aspect, the rotating module can include a bearing cap connected to the top of the rotating module body and forming a bearing cavity in which the bearing assembly can be received. For example, in one aspect, the bearing cap includes an opening through which the static feed housing extends.

[0020] According to one aspect, the body of the rotation module includes a first body segment, a second body segment, and a base segment, wherein the first body segment, the second body segment, and the base segment are connected together in a coaxial arrangement to form a cavity configured to receive a static feed hub. In this regard, the first body segment may include a first plurality of openings formed therein, the second body segment may include a second plurality of openings formed therein, and the third body segment may include a third plurality of openings formed therein.

[0021] According to yet another aspect, the at least one lip seal may include a first lip seal between the static feed hub body and the first body segment, a second lip seal between the static feed hub body and the second body segment, and a third lip seal between the static feed hub body and the third body segment.

[0022] According to another embodiment, a rotor assembly is provided. The rotor assembly includes a rotor with a plurality of containers arranged around its rotation axis. Each container is used to receive a certain amount of centrifugal liquid medium, and each container has a liquid medium inlet, a first liquid medium outlet, and a second liquid medium outlet. The rotor assembly also includes a rotating seal. The rotating seal includes a static feed hub with a head and a cylindrical hub body extending from the head to the base. The static feed hub includes an internal coolant chamber that provides cooling to the components of the rotating seal. The static feed hub also includes: a first channel that fluidly connects a first port located on the head to a first opening formed on the hub body; a second channel that fluidly connects a second port located on the head to a second opening formed on the hub body; a third channel that fluidly connects a third port located on the head to a third opening formed on the hub body; and fourth and fifth channels that fluidly connect the fourth and fifth ports located on the head to the internal coolant chamber that regulates the temperature of the static feed hub by providing a fluid coolant therein. The rotating seal also includes a rotating module. The rotary seal includes a rotary module, the rotary module including a body having an annular sidewall and a base defining a cavity, and the cavity is configured to operably receive the aforementioned feed hub therein. The base includes a base insert for coupling the rotary module to the hub of the centrifuge rotor so that the rotary module rotates around the static feed hub. The body includes a first plurality of openings formed on the annular sidewall, each of which is in fluid communication with an opening leading to a first passage, and is configured to be fluidly connected to a liquid medium inlet of a container of the centrifuge rotor using a first fluid pipeline, so that the first liquid medium flows between the first fluid passage of the static feed hub and the liquid medium inlet of the centrifuge rotor container. The body also includes a second plurality of openings formed on the annular sidewall, each of which is in fluid communication with a second opening leading to a second passage, and is configured to be fluidly connected to a first liquid medium outlet of a container of the centrifuge rotor using a second fluid pipeline, so that the second liquid medium flows between the liquid medium outlet and the second fluid passage of the static feed hub. The body also includes a third plurality of openings formed on the annular sidewall, each of which is in fluid communication with a third opening leading to a third channel and is configured to be fluidly connected to a second liquid medium outlet of a container of the centrifuge rotor using a third fluid pipeline, so that the third liquid medium flows between the second liquid medium outlet and the third fluid channel of the static feed hub. The rotary seal also includes a bearing assembly located in the rotating cavity and between the static feed hub body and the rotating module body, and at least one lip seal is located in the rotating cavity and between the static feed hub body and the rotating module body. In one aspect, the centrifuge is equipped with a rotor assembly.

[0023]

[0013] Those skilled in the art will more readily appreciate the various additional features and advantages of the present invention by reading the following detailed description of one or more illustrative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description that follows, describe one or more embodiments of the invention.

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rotary seal mounted to an exemplary centrifuge rotor assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a centrifuge rotor assembly is shown in FIG.

[0027] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 - Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a rotor in a centrifuge rotor assembly is shown, showing details of the rotor container.

[0028] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A perspective, partially cut-away view of the container is shown with the lid of the container removed.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partially exploded perspective view of the rotor assembly is shown depicting the housing, cover, rotor and crown.

[0030] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the rotor depicting the container disassembled to show more detail of the rotating seal.

[0031] Figure 4A yes Figure 1 - Figure 2 and Figure 3 - Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the rotary seal shown.

[0032] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A schematic perspective view of a static feed hub of a rotary seal is shown illustrating the fluid flow path through the static feed hub.

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of a rotary seal is shown.

[0034] Fig. 6A yes Figure 5The cross-sectional view of the rotary seal schematically depicts the flow of the first liquid medium, the second liquid medium and the fluid coolant through the rotary seal.

[0035] Figure 6B is similar Fig. 6A , which further schematically depicts the situation where the second liquid medium flows through the rotating seal.

[0036] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6B An enlarged cross-sectional view of the rotary seal taken along line 7 - 7 showing details of the first lip seal and the second lip seal.

[0037] Figure 8 is along Fig. 6A The cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 schematically shows the first liquid medium flowing through the rotary seal.

[0038] Fig. 9 is along Fig. 6A The cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 schematically shows the second liquid medium flowing through the rotary seal.

[0039] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 - Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a first lip seal of a rotary seal is shown.

[0040] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 - Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a second lip seal of a rotary seal is shown.

[0041] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a rotary seal mounted on a rotor according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 An exploded perspective view of the rotary seal shown.

[0043] Fig.14A yes Fig.12 - Fig.13 The cross-sectional view of the rotary seal schematically depicts the flow of the first liquid medium, the second liquid medium, the third liquid medium and the fluid coolant through the rotary seal.

[0044] Fig. 14B is similar Fig.14A , further schematically depicting the flow of liquid medium and fluid coolant through the rotating seal.

[0045] Fig. 14C yes Fig.14A - Fig. 14CAn enlarged view of the rotary seal is shown showing details of the first, second and third lip seals.

[0046] Fig.15 is a perspective view of a rotary seal according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig.16A is along Fig.15 The cross-sectional view taken along line 16A-16A schematically depicts the first liquid medium, the second liquid medium, the third liquid medium and the fluid coolant flowing through the rotating seal.

[0048] Fig. 16B is similar Fig.16A , further schematically depicting the flow of liquid medium and fluid coolant through the rotating seal.

[0049] Fig.17 is a cross-sectional view showing details of the main body section of the rotary seal.

[0050] Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view of a centrifuge rotor assembly, which includes Fig.15 - Fig.17 A rotary seal is depicted according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 A partially exploded perspective view of the centrifuge rotor assembly is shown, which shows Fig.15 - Fig.17 Multiple rotor containers and rotating seals in the rotor assembly.

[0052] Fig. 20 is a diagrammatic view showing the centrifuge rotor assembly, which consists of Fig.15 - Fig.17 A rotating seal is shown installed on an exemplary centrifuge of a continuous flow centrifuge system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a multi-channel rotary seal that allows an intermittent centrifuge rotor to operate as a continuous flow rotor for processing biological suspensions. In this regard, the rotary seal provides a quick and easy way to convert an intermittent centrifuge rotor to operate as a continuous flow centrifuge rotor, which can increase the throughput of suspensions through the rotor. In this regard, the continuous flow rotor can centrifuge large amounts of liquid suspensions without the need to frequently start and stop the rotor to fill and dump the centrifuge rotor container. The rotary seal of the present invention adopts a modular design, and the number of feed ports and / or discharge ports can be changed to facilitate the continuous flow of a series of desired fluids into or out of the rotor during the centrifugation process, such as liquid suspensions, liquid supernatants, buffer fluids and / or heavy fluids such as density gradients. These and other aspects of the present invention will be further described in detail below.

[0054] Figure 1 - Fig.11 A multi-channel rotary seal 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 - Figure 2 As shown, the rotary seal 10 is mounted on an exemplary rotor assembly 12. The rotor assembly 12 includes a centrifuge rotor 14, and the rotary seal 10 is used to convert the rotor 14, which can be an intermittent centrifuge rotor, into a continuous flow rotor, which will be described in further detail below. For example, the exemplary rotor 14 can be a 6×2000mL BIOS rotary wing rotor commercially available from the assignee of the present disclosure. However, although various aspects of the rotary seal can be shown and described in certain types of centrifuge rotors, it should be understood that the same inventive concepts related to various aspects of the rotary seal 10 can be implemented by different centrifuge rotors and related systems. For this reason, the accompanying drawings are not intended to be limiting.

[0055] Now please refer to Figure 1 - Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the rotor assembly 12 includes a housing 16, a cover 18, and a rotor 14. The cover 18 is configured to cover an open end 20 of the housing 16 and form a sealed cavity 22, for example, for accommodating the rotor 14 during centrifugation of a liquid suspension. The housing 16, which may also be referred to as a windshield, includes a base 24, and the rotor 14 is configured to be coupled to a hub 26 located at the center of the base 24 so as to be rotated about a central rotation axis A1 by a centrifuge drive 28. In this regard, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the housing hub 26 includes a socket 30 configured to receive a centrifuge spindle 32 of a centrifuge drive 28 for rotating the rotor assembly 12 about the central rotational axis A1.

[0056] like Figure 2 - Figure 3As shown, the centrifuge rotor 14 includes a rotor body 34 that is configured to support a plurality of rotor buckets or containers 36 that are rotatably arranged about the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge rotor 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotor 14 can support six containers 36. Each container 36 is designed to accommodate a flexible bag 38 containing a quantitative centrifugal liquid suspension, which will be described in further detail below. The containers 36 are supported by a plurality of elongated container support arms 40. As shown, each container support arm 40 extends from a central core 42 of the rotor body 34 to a generally Y-shaped terminal end 44. Through the specific arrangement of the container support arms 40, each container support arm 40 can support two containers 36. In this regard, the end 44 of each container support arm 40 includes a pair of ear shafts (such as Figure 2A ) or hanger 46. Each trunnion 46 is designed to be removably mounted in a corresponding groove 48 formed on the side of the container 36, so that the container 36 is supported between adjacent container support arms 40, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0057] As described above, the rotor 14 is configured to be coupled to the hub 26 of the housing 16 so as to be rotated about the central rotation axis A1 with the rotor assembly 12 via the centrifuge drive 28. In this regard, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the central core 42 of the rotor 14 includes a generally cylindrical boss 50 that protrudes axially upward from the central core 42 of the rotor 14 and a pocket 52 formed in a base 54 of the central core 42. The pocket 52 extends axially from the base 54 to the central core 42 a distance and is configured to receive a portion of the housing hub 26 therein, thereby coupling the rotor 14 to the housing 16. To this end, the centrifuge rotor 14 can be operably coupled to the housing hub 26 and the spindle 32 of the centrifuge drive 28 by one or more set screws, drive pins, or other suitable torque transmission members. In the illustrated embodiment, the central core 42 includes a central hole 56 that extends axially between the boss 50 and the pocket 52, the pocket being configured to receive a fastener (not shown) therethrough to secure the rotor 14 to the centrifuge spindle 32.

[0058] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the cover 18 of the rotor assembly 12 includes a central opening 58 through which the crown 60 and the rotary seal 10 are configured to extend. The crown 60 is configured to be attached to the rotary seal 10 to secure a plurality of fluid line supports 62, a plurality of fluid lines extending between the rotary seal 10 and each container 36, and certain other components of the rotary seal 10 and the rotor assembly 12 during centrifugal rotation of the rotor assembly 12. In this regard, the crown 60 includes a body 64 having an annular sidewall 66 extending between a top wall 68 and an open end 70 of the crown 60. The top wall 68 includes an opening 72 through which a portion of the rotary seal 10 is configured to extend. The top wall 68 also includes a plurality of holes 74 into which fasteners 76 may be mounted to attach the crown 60 to the rotary seal 10, as will be described in further detail below.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the cover 18 of the rotor assembly 12 is installed over the crown 60 so that a portion of the crown 60 extends through the opening 58 of the cover 18. In this regard, the cover 18 includes an annular collar 78 that engages the annular side wall 66 of the crown 60 to secure the cover 18 in position relative to the housing 20. The central opening 58 of the cover 18 has access to the rotary seal 10 so that the necessary fluid lines can be connected to the exposed portion of the rotary seal 10 to provide the required liquid medium to the rotary seal 10 and remove the required liquid medium from the rotary seal 10 and each rotor container 36.

[0060] As briefly described above, the rotary seal 10 is configured to facilitate the transfer of process fluids (e.g., liquid media) between the plurality of containers 36 of the rotor 14 and one or more process fluid sources external to the rotor assembly 12. Fig.18 ). In this regard, the rotary seal 10 includes a static hub 82 supported within a rotating module 84, which is configured to rotate about the static feed hub 82. The static feed hub 82 can be connected to one or more liquid medium storage containers located outside the rotor assembly 12 through corresponding fluid pipelines. The rotating module 84 is configured to be coupled to the rotor body 34 so as to rotate around the static feed housing 82 with the rotor assembly 12. As will be described in further detail below, during high-speed centrifugal rotation of the rotor assembly 12, the liquid medium can flow between the static feed hub 82 and the rotating module 84 and between the rotating module 84 and the container 36.

[0061] In order to transfer the liquid medium between the rotating module 84 and the container 36 of the centrifuge rotor 14, the rotating module 84 includes a body 86 having a first plurality of openings 88 and a second plurality of openings 90, each of which is distributed along the circumference of the rotating module body 86. Figure 2 - Figure 3 As shown, each of the first plurality of openings 88 includes a first fitting 92 for guiding a first process fluid or liquid medium between the rotary seal 10 and the container 36 of the rotor 14. Each opening 88 is partially threaded and is threadedly mounted onto a threaded end 94 (e.g., Figure 7 ). Each pipeline fitting 92 is used to receive one end of a first fluid pipeline 96a, which can be a flexible food-grade polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, and the other end of the fluid pipeline 96a is connected to the flexible bag 38 in the container 36, which will be described in further detail below. Similarly, each of the second plurality of openings 90 includes a fitting 92 for guiding a second process fluid between the rotating seal 10 and the container 36 of the rotor 14. Each opening 90 can also be of a threaded design, and a threaded end 94 of the fitting 92 can be threadedly installed. Each fitting 92 can be installed in one end of a second fluid pipeline 96b, and the other end of the fluid pipeline 96b is connected to the flexible bag 38 in the container 36, which will be described in further detail below. To this end, each fitting 92 includes a locking fishbone or barbed end 98 to facilitate the connection between the fitting 92 and the fluid pipelines 96a, 96b. Each fitting 92 may also include a gasket flange 100, which is configured to be used as a surface of the sealing rotating module 84 (such as Figure 7 ).

[0062] like Figure 2A As shown, a fluid line 96a and a second fluid line 96b are connected between each container 36, in particular each flexible bag 38, and the rotating seal 10 so that the liquid medium flows continuously between the container 36 and the rotating seal 10. In this regard, each container 36 is configured to support a flexible bag 38 during centrifugation. Figure 2 - Figure 2B As shown, each rotor container 36 includes a base 102 and a cover 104 removably attached to the base 102 to define a cavity 106, which is configured to enclose a flexible bag 38. To this end, the flexible bag 38 generally conforms to the shape of the cavity 106 formed between the base 102 and the cover 104 of the container 36. The cover 104 of each container 36 includes a pair of opposing side walls 108a and 108b. A radially extending groove 48 is formed on each side wall 108a, 108b. As described above, each groove 48 is configured to be removably received in a corresponding trunnion 46 for supporting the container 36 between a pair of adjacent container support arms 40.

[0063] like Figure 2BAs shown, the lid 104 of each container 36 includes an open end 110 that is configured to fit over an open end 112 of the base 102, as indicated by directional arrow A2. The open end 112 of the base 102 is defined by an annular sidewall 114 to define a sleeve over which the lid 104 can be snapped. When the lid 104 is completely over the annular sidewall 114 of the base 102, the lid 104 is in abutment with a shoulder 116 defined by a base wall 118 of the base 102. The base wall 118 of the base 102 extends generally axially and includes a first port 120 and a second port 122 formed therein. The first port 120 allows a first fluid line 96a connected between one of the first plurality of openings 88 of the rotation module 84 and the flexible bag 38 to pass therethrough. The second port 122 allows a second fluid line 96b connected between one of the second plurality of openings 90 of the rotation module 84 and the flexible bag 38 to pass therethrough, as will be described in further detail below.

[0064] The container 36 also includes a gasket 124 attached to the base wall 118 of the base 102 of the container 36. Figure 2 - Figure 2B As shown, the spacer 124 includes a curved surface 126 configured to engage with a tapered portion 128 of the annular wall of the crown 60. In this regard, when the crown 60 is installed to the rotor assembly 12, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the engagement between the tapered portion 128 of the crown 60 and the curved surface 126 biases each container 36 in a radially outward direction so that each pair of trunnions 46 fits snugly against the bottom 130 of each container recess 48. This design ensures that the container 36 can move relative to the rotor 14 during rotation of the rotor 14 by the centrifuge drive 28. To this end, the spacers 124 also facilitate routing of the fluid lines 96a and 96b between each container 36 and the rotating seal 10, as will be described in further detail below.

[0065] As briefly described above, the rotor assembly 12 includes a plurality of fluid line supports 62 through which fluid lines 96a and 96b are connected between each container 36 and the rotating seal 10. Specifically, each fluid line support 62 is located between the rotating seal 10 and one of the plurality of containers 36 of the rotor 14, thereby maintaining the position of the corresponding fluid line 96a and 96b during the rotation of the rotor 14. In this regard, each pair of fluid lines 96a and 96b extending between one container 36 and the rotating seal 10 flows through the fluid line support 62. Therefore, the number of fluid line supports 62 corresponds to the number of containers 36 supported by the rotor 14. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the rotor assembly 1 includes six fluid line supports 62.

[0066] like Figure 2 - Figure 2BAs shown, each of the plurality of fluid line supports 62 includes an elongated body 132 extending between a first end 134 and an opposite second end 136. Each fluid line support 62 also includes a first passage 138 configured to route a first fluid line 96a from one of the first plurality of openings 88 to a first port 120 of a container 36 of the rotor 14, and a second passage 140 configured to route a second fluid line 96b from one of the second plurality of openings 90 to a second port 122 of the same container 36 of the rotor 14. To this end, the first passage 138 and the second passage 140 generally extend from the first end 134 to the second end 138 of the body 132 of the fluid line support 62.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown, the crown 60 is configured to ensure that the position of each of the plurality of fluid line supports 62 is maintained when attached to the rotating seal 10. In this regard, the plurality of fluid line supports 62 are loaded into the crown 60 and are located between the body 64 of the crown 60 and the rotor 14. Specifically, the body 132 of each fluid line support 62 is engaged with the annular sidewall 66 of the crown 60. In this regard, the annular sidewall 66 of the crown 60 includes a radially inwardly extending cover 142, which is configured to engage the chamfered surface 144 of the first end 134 of each fluid line support 62, thereby fixing each fluid line support 62 between the crown 60 and the surface of the neutral core 42 of the rotor body 34, as shown. To this end, the plurality of fluid line supports 62 are supported in the crown 60 in a spaced arrangement around the rotation axis A1 of the centrifuge rotor 14.

[0068] like Figure 2 - Figure 2B As shown, a pair of fluid lines 96a and 96b connected between each container 36 and the rotating seal 10 can be part of the flexible bag 38, so that the flexible bag 38 and the pair of fluid lines 96a and 96b are combined to form an integral single piece. Alternatively, each pair of fluid lines 96a and 96b can also be a separate component. In any case, when each flexible bag 38 is enclosed in the cavity 106 of the corresponding container 36, the first fluid line 96a passes through the first port 120 formed on the base 118 of the container 36, the gasket 124 of the container 36, and the first channel 138 of the fluid line support 62, and is connected to the barbed end 98 of the corresponding fitting 92 of one of the first plurality of openings 88 of the rotating module 84. In the illustrated embodiment, the first liquid medium, such as a liquid suspension, can flow from the rotating seal 10 into the flexible bag 38 of each container 36 through each first fluid line 96a during the centrifugal rotation of the rotor 14. The flow of the first liquid medium is as shown in FIG. Figure 1 - Fig.11Therefore, the first port 120 of each container 36 can be regarded as a liquid medium inlet.

[0069] The second fluid lines 96b pass through the second port 122 of the base 118 of the container 36, the container gasket 124, the second channel 140 of the fluid line support 62, and are connected to the barbed end 98 of the corresponding fitting 92 of one of the second plurality of openings 90 of the rotation module 84. In the illustrated embodiment, during the centrifugal rotation of the rotor 14, the second liquid medium, such as the supernatant, can be removed from the flexible bag 38 of each container 36 through each second fluid line 96b. The flow of the first liquid medium is as follows Figure 1 - Fig.11 As shown by the directional arrow A4 in the figure. Therefore, the second port 122 of each container 36 can be regarded as a liquid medium outlet. In this regard, the rotary seal 10 is configured to ensure that the first liquid medium (i.e., suspension) is transferred from a source outside the rotor assembly 12 to each container 36, and the second liquid medium (i.e., supernatant) is transferred from each container 36 to a storage location outside the rotor assembly 12 at the same time.

[0070] Now that certain details of the rotor assembly 12 have been described, further details of the rotary seal 10 will be described. As briefly described above, the rotary seal 10 includes a static feed hub 82 that is configured to be fixed relative to a rotating module 84 that is configured to rotate about the static feed hub 82 during rotation of the rotor assembly 12 by the centrifuge drive 28. Figure 2 and Figure 4 - Figure 4B As shown, the static feed hub 82 includes a head 150 and a cylindrical hub body 152 extending from the head 150 to a base 154 of the static hub 82. The diameter of the head 150 is larger than the diameter of the hub body 152, thereby forming a shoulder therebetween. The cylindrical hub body 152 includes a bearing surface 158 and a sealing surface 160 that can be loaded into the rotating module 84. The bearing surface 158 and the sealing surface 160 can be separated by an annular groove 162. The hub body 152 may include a circumferential chamfered portion, also known as an introduction chamfer 164, which extends between the base 154 and the sealing surface 160 to facilitate the installation of the static feed shell 82 into the rotating module 84. As shown in FIG. Figure 4B As shown, for example, the cylindrical hub body 152 also includes an internal coolant chamber 166 adjacent the sealing surface 160, which is configured to ensure that heat generated by the rotational engagement between the rotating module 84 and the static hub 82 is removed from the sealing surface 160 and the static feed hub 82, as will be further described in detail below.

[0071] like Figure 2As shown, the head 150 of the static feed hub 82 is designed to be exposed outside the rotating module 84. In this way, a process fluid pipeline can be connected to the head 150 of the static feed hub 82, so that the process fluid flows to / from the rotating seal 10. In addition, the head 150 of the static feed hub 82 includes four flat surfaces 168 into which the torque transmission shaft of the centrifuge cover (not shown) can be installed, for example, to fix the static feed hub 82 to the centrifuge and reduce vibration caused by the rotation of the rotor assembly 12.

[0072] like Figure 4 - Figure 4B As shown, the static feed hub 82 includes five ports or openings 170a-170e formed at the top 172 of the head 150, and each of the openings 170a-170e is fluidly connected to a corresponding fluid channel 174a-174e through the static feed hub 82 for guiding liquid media and / or other fluids between the static feed hub 82 and the rotating module 84, which will be further described in detail below. Each of the openings 170a-170e can include a barb fitting 176 for receiving a process fluid pipeline. For example, the fitting 176 can be installed in each of the openings 170a-170e by press-fitting or threading.

[0073] like Figure 4B As shown, the static feed hub 82 includes a first passage 174a that penetrates the static feed hub 82 and extends between the first port 170a and a first opening 178a formed on the hub body 152. Specifically, the first opening 178a is formed on the sealing surface 160 of the hub body 152. To this end, a liquid suspension feed line (not shown) can be connected to the barb fitting 176 of the first opening 170a, and the first liquid medium can be supplied to the static feed hub 82 along the direction arrow A3, and poured into each container 36 through the rotating seal 10.

[0074] Continue as Figure 4B As shown, the static feed hub 82 includes a second passage 174b that passes through the static feed hub 82 and extends between the second port 17ba and a second opening 178b formed on the hub body 152. Specifically, the second opening 178b is formed on the base 154 of the hub body 152. To this end, a fluid line, such as a supernatant removal line (not shown), can be connected to the barb fitting 16 of the second opening 170b, and the second liquid medium (i.e., supernatant) can be removed from each container 36 through the rotating seal 10 along the direction arrow A4.

[0075] Continue as Figure 4BAs shown, the static feed hub 82 includes a third channel 174c and a fourth channel 174d, both of which extend through the static feed hub 82 and extend between the third port 170c and the fourth port 170d and the internal coolant chamber 166, respectively. In this regard, the static feed hub 82 can be connected to a recirculation cooling system (not shown) that is configured to circulate a continuous flow of fluid coolant through the static hub 82, as shown by the directional arrow A5 in all figures. For example, a fluid coolant supply line of the chiller system can be connected to the third opening 170c, so that the fluid coolant flows through the third channel 174c and enters the internal coolant chamber 166, and a fluid coolant return line can be connected to the fourth opening 170d, so that the fluid coolant is returned from the internal coolant chamber 166 to the recirculation cooling system.

[0076] like Fig. 6A - Figure 6B As shown, the internal coolant chamber 166 is located near the base 154 of the static feed hub 82 and is generally rectangular or cuboid in shape. Specifically, the internal coolant chamber 166 is located inside the static feed hub body 152, adjacent to the sealing surface 160, so as to remove heat from the rotating seal 10 in an optimal manner. However, the internal coolant chamber 166 may also be located in other locations and may also be designed in other shapes and are within the scope of the present invention. Figure 6B As shown, the internal coolant chamber 166 is accessible via an opening 180 formed in the base 154 of the static feed hub 82. However, when the rotary seal 10 is used, a permanent plug seal 182 needs to be installed into the opening 180.

[0077] like Figure 4B As shown, the static feed hub 82 may include a fifth passage 174e extending through the static feed hub 82 and extending between the fifth opening 170e and a third opening 178c formed on the hub body 152. Specifically, the third opening 178c is formed on the sealing surface 160 of the hub body 152 and is axially located between the first opening 178a and the bottom 154 of the hub body 152. Although the fifth passage 174e is not required in this embodiment, the design of the static feed hub 82 is intended to adopt a modular structure to meet foreseeable industry needs. Therefore, the fifth passage 174 can be used to remove another liquid medium, such as a heavy fluid, from the container 36, or add another liquid medium, such as a buffer fluid, to the container 36, as described below in an alternative embodiment of the rotary seal 10. To this end, the static feed hub 82 may only have the above-mentioned four openings 170a-170d and corresponding passages 174a-174d.

[0078] like Figure 4 - Figure 6BAs shown, the rotating module 84 is modularly designed to accommodate the flow of a variety of different liquid media or process fluids through the rotating seal 10 and between each rotor container 36 and the corresponding external storage location. In this regard, the rotating module 84 includes a body 86, which includes a bearing cap 190, a first body section 192, a second body section 194, a base section 196 and a base insert 198, which are connected together in a coaxial arrangement or stacked manner to define a cavity 200 in which the feed hub 82 can be operably loaded. The bearing cap 190, the first body section 192 and the second body section 194 are generally tubular to define a generally annular sidewall of the rotating module 84. The static feed hub 82 is configured to be loaded into the cavity 200 of the rotating module 84 so that the bearing surface 158 of the hub body 152 engages with the bearing set 202 and the sealing surface 160 engages with the first lip seal 204 and the second lip seal 206.

[0079] The bearing assembly 202 is configured to ensure that the rotating module 84 rotates around the static feed hub 82 during rotation of the rotor assembly 12. The bearing assembly 202 may include an upper bearing 208 and a lower bearing 210 separated by a washer 212. Each bearing 208, 210 may include an inner bearing ring 214 and an outer bearing ring 216, wherein a hole 218 is located in the inner bearing ring 214, and the bearing surface 160 of the static feed hub 82 can be installed through this hole 218. The outer ring 216 is configured to engage with the bearing cap 190 or the first body section 192. The inner bearing ring 214 and the outer bearing ring 216 of each bearing 208, 210 cooperate to accommodate a corresponding bearing member (e.g., ball, roller, etc.) 220.

[0080] like Figure 5 - Figure 6B As shown, the bearing assembly 202 is enclosed in a bearing cavity 222 formed between the bearing cap 190 and the first body section 192 and the bearing surface 160 of the static feed hub 82. In this regard, the bearing cap 190 includes a tubular sidewall 224 extending between an annular shoulder 226 and a flange 228. The annular shoulder 226 defines an opening 230, and the head 150 of the static feed hub 82 is configured to extend through the opening 230, as shown. The flange 228 includes a first plurality of threaded holes 232 distributed along the circumference thereof for receiving fasteners 234 therethrough to secure the bearing cap 190 to the top flange 236 of the first body section 192. The top flange 236 of the first body section 192 defines an upper inner sidewall portion 238 extending between the top flange 236 and the annular flange 240. As shown in FIG. Fig. 6A As shown, the bearing assembly 202 is located in the bearing cavity 222 and its axial position is clamped and fixed by the annular flange 240 of the first body section 192, the annular shoulder 226 of the bearing cover 190 and the shoulder 156 of the static feed housing 82.

[0081] like Figure 4A As shown, the bearing cap 190 includes a second plurality of threaded holes 242 distributed circumferentially around the flange 228. The second plurality of threaded holes 242 are used to receive fasteners 76 to secure the crown 60 to the rotation module 84, as described above with respect to Figure 2 described.

[0082] The first body section 192 includes a first plurality of openings 88 distributed around its circumference, while the second body section 194 includes a second plurality of openings 90 distributed around its circumference. As will be described in further detail below, at least a first fluid transfer chamber 244 and a second fluid transfer chamber 246 are formed between the components of the static feed hub 82 and the rotation module 84. Specifically, the first chamber 244 is arranged to transfer a first liquid medium (i.e., a suspension) from the first channel 174a in the static feed hub 82 to the first opening 178a and then flow between each of the first plurality of openings 88 formed in the first body section 192 of the rotation module 84. The second chamber 246 is arranged to allow a second liquid medium (i.e., a supernatant) to flow between the second plurality of openings 90 formed in the second body section 194 of the rotation module 84 and the opening 178b in the static feed hub 82 that leads to the second channel 174b.

[0083] like Fig. 6A - Figure 7 , the first body section 192 includes a tubular body 248 extending between the top flange 236 and a base 250. The base 250 of the first body section 192 is configured to be fixed to the second body section 194. In this regard, the base 250 of the tubular body 248 includes a plurality of threaded blind holes 252 for receiving fasteners 254 to fix the first body section 192, the second body section 194 and the base section 196 together, as shown in FIG. Figure 6B 2. The first body section 192 also includes an inner sidewall 256 that extends between the base 250 and the top flange 236 and includes the upper inner sidewall portion 238 described above. The inner sidewall 256 also defines a lip seal engagement portion 258 that is configured to engage with a first lip seal, which will be described in further detail below. To this end, the lip seal engagement portion 258 is arranged to be opposite or face-to-face with the sealing surface 160 of the static feed housing 82 at the location of the first opening 178a formed by the first passage 174a. The first body section 192 also includes a circumferential chamfered surface 260 that extends between the base 250 and the inner sidewall 256.

[0084] like Figure 7 and Fig.10, the details of the first lip seal 204 will be described next. The first lip seal 204, which may also be referred to as a fluid transfer lip seal, defines a first chamber 244, which is configured to allow a first liquid medium (i.e., a suspension) to flow between the first opening 178a of the static feed hub 82 and each of the first plurality of openings 88 formed in the first body 192 of the rotation module 84. In this regard, the first lip seal 204 includes a tubular body 262 having an upper sealing lip 264 and an opposing lower sealing lip 266. The tubular body 264 includes an inner sidewall or sealing surface 268 that extends between the upper sealing lip 264 and the lower sealing lip 266, thereby defining a hole 270 through the lip seal 204. To this end, the static feed hub 82 can pass through the hole 270, as shown. Fig. 6A - Figure 6B 2. The main body 262 of the lip seal 204 has a radial thickness that can be measured from the inner sidewall 268 to the outer sidewall 272. A plurality of radially extending holes 274 are distributed around the circumference of the main body 262 of the lip seal 204. Each hole 274 extends between the inner sidewall 268 and the outer sidewall 272 of the lip seal 204 and can be loaded with a fluid guide insert 276. As described in further detail below, the plurality of holes 274 correspond to the first plurality of openings 88 distributed circumferentially around the first main body segment 192. To this end, the first lip seal 204 can include six holes 274.

[0085] Continue as Figure 7 and Fig.10 As shown, the upper sealing lip 264 defines an upper circumferential notch 278 that is configured to receive an annular spring 280, thereby biasing the upper sealing lip 264 against the sealing surface 160 of the static feed hub 82. Similarly, the lower sealing lip 266 defines a lower circumferential notch 282 that is configured to receive an annular spring 280, thereby biasing the lower sealing lip 266 against the sealing surface 160 of the static feed hub 82. In this regard, the upper sealing lip 264 defines an upper annular lip 284 formed on the inner sidewall 268 of the lip seal 204, which is configured to engage the sealing surface 160 of the static feed hub 82, thereby forming a first annular seal between the lip seal 204 and the static hub 82. Similarly, the lower sealing lip 266 defines a lower annular lip 286 formed on the inner sidewall 268 of the lip seal 204 and is configured to engage the sealing surface 160 of the static feed hub 82 to form a second annular seal between the lip seal 204 and the static hub 82 .

[0086] Continue as Figure 7 and Fig.10As shown, the inner sidewall 268 of the first lip seal 204 also includes a conical annular groove 288 located in the center. As shown, the annular groove 288 is defined by a pair of opposing conical surfaces 290, which extend between the inner sidewall 268 and the base 292 of the conical groove 288. Each of the plurality of holes 274 can pass through the body 262 of the first lip seal 204 and extend from the outer sidewall 272 of the body 262, and then pass through the conical groove 288 formed in the inner sidewall 268. To this end, the plurality of holes 274 can each be centered along the base 292 of the conical groove 288. As will be described in further detail below, the conical groove 288 and the inner sidewall 268 form a first chamber 244, which is configured to allow the first liquid medium (i.e., the suspension) to flow between the first opening 178a in the static feed hub 82 and each of the first openings 88 formed in the first body section 192 of the rotation module 84.

[0087] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first lip seal 204 is disposed between the sealing surface 160 of the static hub 82 and the lip seal engagement portion 258 of the first body segment 192 such that each of the plurality of holes 274 formed in the first lip seal 204 is aligned with each of the first plurality of openings 88 formed in the first body segment 192. A fluid guide insert 276 may be inserted into each of the aligned holes 274 and first openings 88 and extend between the lip seal 204 and the first body segment 192. In this manner, the fluid guide 276 may fluidly couple the first lip seal 204 to the first body segment 192.

[0088] The first lip seal 204 is configured to ensure that the upper annular lip 284 of the lip seal 204 engages the sealing surface 160 of the static feed hub 82 at a position axially above the first opening 178a of the first fluid passage 174a, while the lower annular lip 266 of the lip seal 204 engages the sealing surface 160 at a position axially below the first opening 178a. Thus, the tapered recess 288 and the inner sidewall 286 of the lip seal 204 form an annular cavity 244 around the hub body 152, and the annular cavity allows the first opening 178a to be in fluid communication with each of the plurality of openings 88 formed in the first main body section 192. In this regard, the first liquid medium flows through the first passage 174a of the static feed hub 82 and then enters the first chamber 244. The first liquid medium flows out of the first chamber 244, flows through the fluid guide insert 276 located in each pair of aligned holes 274 and openings 88, and flows into the corresponding flexible bag 38 and container 36 through each first fluid pipeline 96a, as shown by directional arrow A3. When the rotating module 84 rotates around the static feed hub 82, the flow of the first liquid medium as described above can continue. The rotation of the rotating module 84 around the static feed hub 82 is as shown in FIG. Figure 1 - Fig.11 The direction is shown by arrow A6.

[0089] like Fig. 6A - Figure 7 As shown, the second body segment 194 includes a tubular body 300 extending between a top 302 and a base 304. The top 302 of the second body segment 194 includes an upstanding annular lip 306 configured to receive the base 250 of the first body segment 190. In this regard, the upstanding annular lip 306 includes a circumferential groove 308 configured to receive a gasket 310, such as an O-ring, to form a seal between the first body segment 192 and the second body segment 194. As shown, the gasket 310 is sandwiched between the chamfered surface 260 of the first body segment 192 and the annular groove 308. The base 304 of the second body segment 194 includes a chamfered surface 312 and is fixed to the base segment 196. In this regard, the tubular body 300 includes a plurality of helical holes 314 extending between the base 304 and the top 302 for receiving the fasteners 254 to secure the first body segment 192, the second body segment 194, and the base segment 196 together, such as Figure 6B shown.

[0090] The second body section 194 also includes a cup-shaped surface 316 that extends radially inwardly along the upstanding annular lip 306 to an orifice portion 318 through which the static feed hub 82 extends. The second body section 194 also includes an inner annular lip 322 that extends axially downward from the orifice portion 318 to form a lip seal contact surface 324 that is configured to contact the second lip seal 206, as described in detail below. If desired, the lip seal contact surface 324 may also include a circumferential recess 326 that is configured to receive a locking ring 328 that maintains the axial position of the second lip seal 206.

[0091] like Fig. 6A - Figure 7 As shown, the base segment 196 includes a disc-shaped body having a top surface 332 and a base 334. The top surface 332 is configured to receive the base 304 of the second body segment 194, as shown. In this regard, the body 330 includes a plurality of threaded holes 336 that are distributed along the circumference and extend between the base 334 and the top surface 332. To this end, the holes 336 are configured to receive corresponding fasteners 254 for fixing the first body segment 192, the second body segment 194 and the base segment 196 together, as shown. Figure 6B To facilitate the sealing engagement between the second body segment 194 and the base segment 196, the body 330 of the base segment 196 also includes an upstanding annular lip 338 extending from the top surface 332, which includes a circumferential groove 340 that can receive a gasket 342, such as an O-ring. The gasket 342 is used to seal the engagement between the second body segment 194 and the base segment 196. As shown, the gasket 242 is sandwiched between the chamfered surface 312 of the second body segment 194 and the annular groove 340.

[0092] The upstanding annular lip 338 forms part of a central recess 344 formed in the body 330 of the base segment 196. In this regard, the central recess 344 includes a tapered sidewall 346 extending between the upstanding annular lip 338 and a generally flat bottom 348 of the recess 344. To this end, the recess 344 may be bowl-shaped or cup-shaped. As will be further described below, the second lip seal 206 is located between the static feed hub body 82 and the second body segment 194, thereby forming a second chamber 246 between the second lip seal 206, the second body segment 194, the base segment 196, and the static hub 82. In this regard, the second chamber 246 is fluidly isolated from the first chamber 244, thereby transferring the second liquid medium (i.e., supernatant) from the second plurality of openings 90 formed in the second body segment 194 of the rotation module 84 to the opening 178b in the static feed hub 82 leading to the second channel 174b.

[0093] The second lip seal 206 is similar in some respects to the first lip seal 204 described above. Fig.11 As shown, the second lip seal 206 includes a tubular body 350 having an upper sealing lip 352 and an opposing lower sealing lip 354. The tubular body 350 includes an inner sidewall or sealing surface 356 extending between the upper sealing lip 352 and the lower sealing lip 354 to define a hole 358 through the lip seal 206. To this end, the static feed hub 82 is configured to pass through the hole 358, such as Figure 4A and Fig. 6A - Figure 7 The body 350 of the lip seal 206 extends between an inner sidewall 356 and an outer sidewall 360 of the body 350. The outer sidewall 360 of the body 350 includes a circumferential groove 362 configured to receive a gasket 364, such as an O-ring, which is configured to form a seal between the outer sidewall 360 of the seal 206 and the lip seal contact surface 324 of the second body segment 194, as shown.

[0094] like Fig. 6A - Figure 7 As shown, the upper sealing lip 352 defines an upper circumferential notch 366 for receiving an annular spring 368 to bias the upper sealing lip 352 against the sealing surface 160 of the static feed hub 82. Similarly, the lower sealing lip 354 defines a lower circumferential notch 370 for receiving an annular coil spring 368 to bias the lower sealing lip 354 against the sealing surface 160 of the static feed hub 82. In this regard, the upper annular lip 372 formed on the inner sidewall 356 of the lip seal 206 is configured to engage the sealing surface 160 of the static feed hub 82 to form a first annular seal between the lip seal 206 and the static hub 82. Similarly, the lower sealing lip 354 may define a lower annular lip 374 formed on the inner sidewall 356 of the lip seal 206 and configured to engage the sealing surface 160 of the static feed hub 82 to form a second annular seal between the lip seal 206 and the static hub 82 .

[0095] like Figure 7 As shown, the second lip seal 206 is located between the sealing surface 160 of the static hub 82 and the lip seal contact surface 324 of the second body segment 194. In this regard, the second lip seal 206 is fluidly isolated from the second chamber 246, thereby forming a second chamber between the second lip seal 206, the second body segment 194, the base segment 196 and the static hub 82, as shown. Therefore, the second opening 178b is in fluid communication with each of the plurality of openings 90 formed in the second body segment 194, as shown. Fig. 9In this regard, the second liquid medium may flow from the flexible bag 38 and the container 36 through each second fluid line 96b through each opening 90 formed in the second body section 194 and into the second chamber 246. The second liquid medium flows out of the second chamber 246, through the second opening 178b formed in the base 154 of the static hub 82, through the second channel 174b, and out of the static hub 82 via the second opening 170b, as shown by the directional arrow A4.

[0096] The base insert 198 of the rotation module 84 is configured to fit the boss 50 of the central core 42 of the rotor 14 into the pocket 378, thereby connecting the rotation module 84 to the rotor 14, such as Figure 2 As shown, the pocket 378 is partially defined by the base segment 196. Figure 4A and Fig. 6A - Figure 6B As shown, the base insert 198 includes a generally tubular body 380 that extends between a base 382 and a top 384 and includes a plurality of threaded holes 386 extending therethrough. The holes 386 are distributed circumferentially around the base insert 198, and each hole is configured to receive a corresponding set screw 388 therethrough. Figure 6B As shown, each set screw 388 can be screwed into the ball head set screw of the corresponding hole 386. To this end, each set screw 388 is screwed into the corresponding hole 386 and engages with the boss 50 surface of the central core 42 of the rotor 14, thereby locking the rotating module 84 in a position relative to the rotor 14.

[0097] The base insert 198 also includes an upstanding annular wall 390 extending between an annular flange 392 and the top 384 of the base insert 198 to define a recess 394 into which the base segment 196 is received. Figure 4A As shown, the base insert 198 includes a plurality of holes 396 extending between the base 382 and the annular flange 392 of the base insert 198, wherein each hole 396 is configured to receive a threaded fastener 398 therethrough. The threaded fastener is then threaded into a corresponding hole 336 formed in the body 330 of the base segment 196, thereby securing the base insert 198 to the base segment 196.

[0098] like Fig.12 - Fig. 14C , wherein like numbers represent like features, shows a rotary seal 400 constructed according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 - Fig.11Similar to the embodiment, the rotary seal 400 can be mounted on a rotor (e.g., 14), thereby converting the rotor, which may be an intermittent centrifuge rotor, into a continuous flow centrifuge rotor, increasing the throughput of the suspension through the rotor. The main difference between the rotary seal 400 of this embodiment and the rotary seal 10 of the previous embodiment is that the rotary module 402 includes a main body 404 having three main body sections. Specifically, the rotary module 402 includes a first main body section 406 and two second main body sections 194a and 194b. The second main body section 194a is also referred to as the upper second main body section 194a, and the second main body section 194b can be referred to as the lower second main body section 194b. Since the rotary module 402 is equipped with three main body sections 406, 194a, 194b, when the rotor rotates, the rotary seal 400 can allow up to three different liquid media or process fluids to flow through the rotary seal 400 and flow between each rotor container and a corresponding external storage location. As Fig.12 - Fig. 14C As shown, it should be noted that the reference numeral suffixes (i.e., "a", "b", etc.) following each base are used to indicate the first and second components. Figure 1 - Fig.11 The description shown applies equally to reference numerals having the same base numerals but with an additional suffix (ie, "a," "b," etc.).

[0099] Now Fig.12 - Fig.13 As shown, the rotary seal 400 includes a static feed hub 82 that is configured to be fixed relative to a rotation module 402, and the rotation module 402 can rotate about the static feed hub 82 during rotation of the rotor assembly 12 by the centrifuge drive 28. In this regard, the rotation module 402 is designed to be connected to the central core 42 of the rotor 14, thereby coupling the rotary seal 40 to the rotor 14, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 shown.

[0100] Continue as Fig.12 - Fig.13 As shown, the body 404 of the rotation module 402 includes a bearing cap 190, a first body section 406, an upper second body section 194a and a lower second body section 194b, a base section 196 and a base insert 198, each of which is connected together in a coaxial arrangement or stacking manner, and is defined and constructed with fasteners 254 to operably receive the cavity 200 of the static feed hub 82. In this regard, the static feed hub 82 is configured to be loaded into the cavity 200 of the rotation module 400, so that the bearing surface 158 of the hub body 152 is engaged with the bearing assembly 202, and the sealing surface 160 is combined with three lip seals 206a, 206b, 206c, which will be described in further detail below.

[0101] like Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 14 , the first main body section 406 includes a tubular body 408 extending between a top flange 410 and a base 412. The tubular body 408 includes a plurality of openings 414 distributed along its circumference. In the illustrated embodiment, the first main body section 406 includes six openings 414. Each of the first plurality of openings 414 includes a first fitting 92 for guiding a first process fluid or liquid medium between the rotary seal 400 and the rotor container. Each opening 414 can be partially threaded and threadably mounted to a threaded end 94 (e.g., Fig.14A ). The base 412 of the first body section 406 is configured to abut against the upper second body section 194a. Fig.14A - Fig. 14B In this regard, the base 412 of the tubular body 408 includes a plurality of spiral blind holes 416 into which the fasteners 254 are inserted so as to secure the first body section 406, the second body sections 194a, 194b, and the base section 196 together. To this end, the flange 410 includes a plurality of threaded holes 418 distributed along its circumference for receiving the fasteners 234 therethrough to secure the bearing cap 190 to the first body section 406.

[0102] like Fig.14A - Fig. 14C As shown, the first body section 406 also includes an orifice portion 420, which defines an opening 422, and the static feed hub 82 is configured to extend through the opening. The first body section 406 also includes an inner annular lip 424, which extends axially downward from the orifice portion 420 to define a lip seal engagement surface 426 that can contact the first lip seal 206a, which will be described in further detail below. The lip seal engagement surface 426 can also include a circumferential recess 428 for receiving the locking ring 328. If necessary, the locking ring 328 is configured to maintain the axial position of the first lip seal 206a. The first body section 406 also includes a circumferential chamfered surface 430 extending between the base 412 and the inner sidewall 432. To this end, the first body segment 406 can be coupled to the upper second body segment 194a such that the gasket 310 is sandwiched between the chamfered surface 430 of the first body segment 406 and the annular groove 308 of the upper second body segment 194a and forms a seal therebetween, as shown.

[0103] Continue as Fig.14A - Fig. 14CAs shown, a first fluid transfer chamber 434, a second fluid transfer chamber 436, and a third fluid transfer chamber 246 are formed between the static feed hub 82 and the components of the rotation module 402. Specifically, the arrangement of the first chamber 434 allows the first liquid medium (i.e., the process fluid suspension) to flow between the opening 178a in the static feed hub 82 leading to the first channel 174a and each of the plurality of openings 414 formed in the first body section 406 of the rotation module 402, as shown in FIG. Fig.14A - Fig. 14C The second chamber 436 is arranged so that the second liquid medium (i.e., the buffer fluid) can flow between the plurality of openings 90 formed in the upper second main body section 194 of the rotating module 84 and the opening 178c leading to the fifth channel 174e in the static feed hub 82, as shown in FIG. Fig.14A - Fig. 14C The third chamber 246 is arranged so that the third liquid medium (i.e., supernatant, heavies, or sediment) can flow between the plurality of openings 90 formed in the lower second main body section 194b of the rotation module 402 and the opening 178b leading to the second channel 174b in the static feed hub 82, as shown in FIG. Fig.14A - Fig. 14C As shown by the direction arrow A9. To this end, when the rotating module 402 rotates around the static feed hub 82, the flow of each liquid medium as described above can be continuous, such as Fig.14A - Fig. 14C It should be understood that the inventive aspects of the rotary seal 400 are not limited to the flow direction described and shown in the drawings, and the flow direction through the rotary seal 400 can be changed according to the actual needs of the application.

[0104] Continue as Fig.14A - Fig. 14C As shown, the first body segment 406, the second body segments 194a, 194b, and the base segment 196 are coupled together in a coaxial arrangement configured to accommodate the static hub 82, thereby forming various fluid transfer chambers 434, 436, and 246. In this regard, the lower second body segment 194b is installed into the base segment 196, wherein the lip seal 206c is located between the sealing surface 160 of the static hub 82 and the lip seal contact portion 324 of the lower second body segment 194b. In this regard, the third chamber 246 is formed between the lip seal 206c, the lower second body segment 194b, the base segment 196, and the static hub 82, as shown. Therefore, the second opening 178b is in fluid communication with each of the plurality of openings 90 formed in the second body segment 194b, as shown. Fig. 14CIn this regard, the third liquid medium flows from each rotor container through a respective fluid line, through each opening 90 formed in the second body section 194b, and into the third chamber 246. The third liquid medium flows from the third chamber 246, through the second opening 178b formed in the base 154 of the static hub 82, through the second channel 174b, and out of the static hub 82 via the second opening 170b, as shown by the directional arrow A9.

[0105] The upper second body section 194a is mounted to the lower second body section 194b such that the gasket 310 is sandwiched between the chamfered surface 260 of the upper body section 194a and the annular flange 308 of the lower second body section 194b and forms a seal therebetween. The lip seal 206b is located between the sealing surface 160 of the static hub 82 and the lip seal contact portion 324 of the upper second body section 194a. In this regard, a second chamber 436 is formed between the lip seal 206b, the upper second body section 194a, the lower second body section 194b, and the lip seal 206c and the sealing surface 160 of the static hub 82, as shown. Therefore, the third opening 178c of the feed hub 82 is in fluid communication with each of the plurality of openings 90 formed in the upper second body section 194a, as shown in FIG. Fig. 14C In this regard, the second liquid medium flows out of each rotor container through a respective fluid line, passes through each opening 90 formed in the upper second body section 194a, and enters the second chamber 436. The second liquid medium flows out of the second chamber 436, then flows into the third opening 178c, passes through the fifth passage 174e, and flows out of the static hub 82 via the fifth opening 170e, as shown by the direction arrow A8.

[0106] As described above, the first body section 406 is mounted to the upper second body section 194a. The lip seal 206b is located between the sealing surface 160 of the static hub 82 and the lip seal engagement portion 426 of the first body section 406. In this regard, a first chamber 434 is formed between the lip seal 206a, the first body section 406, the upper second body section 194a, and the lip seal 206b and the sealing surface 160 of the static hub 82, as shown. Therefore, the first opening 178a of the feed hub 82 is in fluid communication with each of the plurality of openings 414 formed in the first body section 406, as shown in FIG. Fig. 14C In this regard, the first liquid medium flows through the first channel 174a of the static feed hub 82 and enters the first chamber 434. The first liquid medium flows out of the first chamber 434, then flows into each of the plurality of openings 414 in the first body section 406, and flows to the connected container through the corresponding fluid pipeline, as shown by the direction arrow A7.

[0107] like Fig.15 - Fig. 20 FIG. 4 shows a rotary seal 450 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein like numbers represent like features. Fig.12 - Fig. 14C Similar to the embodiment, the rotary seal 450 is configured to be mounted on a rotor (e.g., 20) to convert a rotor that may be a batch centrifuge rotor into a continuous flow centrifuge rotor, thereby increasing the throughput of the suspension through the rotor. The main difference between the rotary seal 450 of this embodiment and the rotary seal 400 of the previous embodiment is that the first main body section 406 includes eight openings 414 distributed circumferentially around the tubular body 408 instead of six. Each of the upper second main body section 194a and the lower second main body section 194b also includes eight openings 90 (e.g., 20) distributed circumferentially around its respective tubular body 300. Fig.17 ). The additional openings 414 and 90 of each body section 414, 194a, 194b are used to accommodate a rotor having eight containers instead of six containers. To this end, the rotary seal 450 of this embodiment is functionally the same as the above embodiment except that the number of openings 414 and 90 in each body section 414, 194a, 194b is different. Fig.12 - Fig. 14C The rotary seal 400 is the same as described above. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, these details will not be repeated. Fig.15 - Fig. 20 As shown, it should be noted that the reference numeral suffixes (i.e., "a", "b", etc.) following each base are used to indicate the first and second components. Figure 1 - Fig. 14C The description shown applies equally to reference numerals having the same base numeral but with an additional suffix (ie, "a," "b," etc.).

[0108] like Fig.18 - Fig.19 As shown, the rotary seal 450 shown in the figure is mounted on an exemplary rotor assembly 452. The rotor assembly 452 includes a centrifuge rotor 454, and the rotary seal 450 is used to convert the rotor 454, which can be an intermittent centrifuge rotor, into a continuous flow rotor, as described above. The exemplary rotor 454 has been described in International Publication No. WO 2021 / 252456 published on December 16, 2021, and its disclosure is incorporated herein by reference as a whole. However, although various aspects of the rotary seal are shown and described in certain types of centrifuge rotors, it should be understood that the same inventive concepts related to various aspects of the rotary seal 450 can be implemented by different centrifuge rotors and related systems. To this end, the accompanying drawings are not intended to be limiting.

[0109] Please continue reading Figure 18 to Figure 19, the rotor assembly 452 includes a rotor 454 having a rotor body 456 designed to support a plurality of containers 458 configured to rotate about the axis of rotation A11 of the centrifuge rotor 454. In this regard, the rotor body 456 includes a plurality of receiving chambers or rotor slots 460, which are symmetrically arranged around the axis of rotation A11 of the rotor 454. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotor 454 includes eight rotor slots 460 for supporting eight containers 458. Each container 458 is configured to hold a flexible bag 458 containing a certain amount of centrifugal liquid suspension, which will be described in further detail below. Specifically, each container 458 includes a container body 462 extending from a top 464 to a base 466. Each container 458 includes a handle 468 located above the top 464 of the container 458 for inserting the container 458 into the corresponding rotor slot 460 or removing the container 458 from the corresponding rotor slot 460.

[0110] like Fig.18 As shown, each container 458 includes a first port 470, a second port 472, and a third port 474 formed in the body 462 of the container 458. The first port 470 is used to connect a first fluid line 476a, which is connected to one of the plurality of openings 414 of the first body section 406 of the rotating module 402, so that the first liquid medium (i.e., suspension) flows from the rotating seal 450 to the container 458. In this regard, the first port 470 is located near the top 464 of the container 458. The second port 472 is used to connect a second fluid line 476b, which is connected to one of the plurality of openings 90 of the upper second body section 194a of the rotating module 402, so that the second liquid medium (i.e., buffer fluid) flows from the rotating seal 450 to the container 458. In this regard, the second port 472 is axially located below the first port 470. The third port 474 is used to connect a third fluid line 476c, which is connected to one of the plurality of openings 90 of the lower second body section 194b of the rotating module 402, so that the third liquid medium (i.e., heavy or particulate) flows out from the container 458 to the rotating seal 450. The third port 474 is axially located below the second port 472 so as to be close to the base 466 of the container 458. To this end, the end of the third fluid line 476c located in the container 458 may include a water inlet 477 to collect and remove heavy or particulates, etc. It should be understood that the inventive aspects of the rotating seal 450 are not limited to the flow direction described and shown in the drawings, and the flow direction through the rotating seal 450 can be changed according to the actual needs of the application.

[0111] Continue reading Fig.18, the rotor body 456 includes a central hole 478, which is designed to fit a hub 480 to which the rotating seal 450 can be attached. Specifically, the base insert 198 of the rotating module 402 is configured to fit the boss 48 of the hub 480 into the pocket 378. The rotating seal 450 is then connected to the hub 480 using a set screw 388. When assembled in place, each set of three fluid lines 476a, 476b, 476c can be connected between each container 458 and the corresponding opening 414, 90 of each body section 406, 194a, 194b, as shown. In this regard, each set of fluid lines 476a, 476b, 476c can pass through a channel 484 formed in the inner wall 486 of the rotor body 456. Each channel 484 is designed to fix each set of fluid lines 476a, 476b and 476c when the rotor assembly 452 is centrifugally rotated.

[0112] Fig. 20 An exemplary continuous flow centrifuge system 500 is depicted, including a centrifuge 502 connected to a recirculating chiller unit 504, a process fluid tank 506, a buffer fluid tank 508, and a final process fluid reservoir 510. The centrifuge 502 includes a housing 512, a drive 514, and a rotor assembly 452 coupled to the drive 514. In operation, the drive 514 rotates the rotor assembly 452, and the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotor 454 causes solid matter in the process fluid stored in each rotor container 458 to settle and form a substantially solid sediment at the bottom of the container 458.

[0113] Continue reading Fig. 20, the rotor assembly 452 includes a rotating seal 450 that converts the rotor 454 into a continuous flow rotor, as described above. The rotating seal 450, and more specifically the static feed hub 82, is fluidly connected to the recirculating chiller unit 504, the process fluid tank 506, the buffer fluid tank 508, and the final process fluid reservoir 510. In this regard, the fluid coolant supply line 516a and the fluid coolant return line 516b of the chiller unit 504 are respectively connected to the static feed hub 82, so that the circulating fluid coolant passes through the static feed hub 82, as shown by the direction arrow A5. The fluid coolant supply line 516a can be connected to the third opening 170c of the static feed hub 82 so that the fluid coolant flows through the third channel 174c into the internal coolant chamber 166. The fluid coolant return line 516b can be connected to the fourth opening 170d of the static feed hub 82 so that the fluid coolant returns from the internal coolant chamber 166 to the chiller unit 504 for recirculation. The process fluid tank 506 is connected to the static feed hub 82 via a process fluid line 518. For example, the process fluid line 518 may include a pump 526 and a valve 520 for controlling the flow of the process fluid to the rotating seal 450. The process fluid line 518 may be connected to the first opening 170a of the static feed hub 82 to supply a continuous flow of process fluid to each container 458, as shown by directional arrow A7. The process fluid tank 508 is connected to the static feed hub 82 via a process fluid line 522. For example, the process fluid line 522 may include a pump 526 and a valve 520 for controlling the flow of the process fluid to the rotating seal 450. The process fluid line 518 may be connected to the fifth opening 170e of the static feed hub 82 to supply a continuous flow of process fluid to each container 458, as shown by directional arrow A8. Finally, the process fluid reservoir 510 is connected to the static feed hub 82 via a process fluid line 524. For example, process fluid line 524 may include a pump 526 and a valve 520 for controlling the flow of process fluid to rotating seal 510. To this end, process fluid line 524 may be connected to second opening 170b of static feed hub 82 so that each container 458 supplies a continuous flow of process fluid to the process fluid reservoir, as indicated by directional arrow A9.

[0114] Although the present invention has been illustrated by the description of its various embodiments, and although the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the various features discussed in the present invention may be used alone or in any combination. Other advantages and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention in its broad aspects is not limited to the specific details and exemplary illustrations shown and described herein. Therefore, even if the details are different, it does not depart from the scope of the overall inventive concept.

Claims

1. A rotary seal for an intermittent centrifuge rotor, the rotary seal being provided with a plurality of containers, the plurality of containers being arranged to rotate about the rotation axis of the centrifuge rotor, each container being configured to contain a centrifugal liquid medium and comprising a liquid medium inlet and a liquid medium outlet, the rotary seal being configured to be mounted on the hub of the centrifuge rotor, thereby converting the intermittent centrifuge rotor into a continuous flow centrifuge rotor operation, the rotary seal include: a static feed hub including a head configured to extend through a cover of the centrifuge rotor, and a cylindrical hub body extending from the head to a base and including an internal coolant chamber, the static feed hub further comprising: a first channel fluidly connecting a first port on the head to a first opening formed in the hub body; a second channel fluidly connecting a second port on the head to a second opening formed in the hub body, and third and fourth channels fluidly connecting a third port and a fourth port on the head to the internal coolant chamber for regulating the temperature of the static feed hub by providing a fluid coolant therein; A rotation module, comprising a body having an annular sidewall and a base, the body and base of the rotation module defining a cavity, the cavity being configured to operatively receive the feed hub therein, the base of the rotation module comprising a base insert, the base insert being configured to couple the rotation module to the hub of the centrifuge rotor so that the rotation module rotates about the static feed hub, the body of the rotation module comprising: a first plurality of openings formed in the annular sidewall, each opening of the first plurality of openings being in fluid communication with an opening to the first passage and configured to be fluidly connected to a liquid medium inlet of a container of the centrifuge rotor by a first fluid line, thereby allowing a first liquid medium to flow between the first fluid passage of the static feed hub and the liquid medium inlet of the container of the centrifuge rotor; and a second plurality of openings formed in the annular sidewall, each opening of the second plurality of openings being in fluid communication with an opening to the second passageway and configured to be fluidly connected to a liquid medium outlet of a container of the centrifuge rotor by a second fluid line so as to allow a second liquid medium to flow between the liquid medium outlet and the second fluid passageway of the static feed hub; a bearing assembly located within the cavity of the rotation module and between the body of the static feed hub and the body of the rotation module; and At least one lip seal is located within the cavity of the rotary module and between the body of the static feed hub and the body of the rotary module.

2. The rotary seal according to claim 1, It is characterized in that Also includes: a first chamber formed between the static feed hub and the rotating module, the first chamber configured to communicate the first liquid medium between a first opening to the first passage and each of the first plurality of openings formed in an annular sidewall of the rotating module; and A second chamber is formed between the static feed hub and the rotating module, the second chamber being configured to allow the second liquid medium to flow between a second opening to the second passage and each of the second plurality of openings formed in the annular sidewall of the rotating module, the second chamber being fluidly isolated from the first chamber.

3. The rotary seal according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The rotation module includes a bearing cap coupled to a top portion of a body of the rotation module to form a bearing cavity configured to accommodate the bearing assembly.

4. The rotary seal according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The bearing cap includes an opening, and the static feed hub extends through the opening of the bearing cap.

5. The rotary seal according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The body of the rotation module includes a first body section, a second body section and a base section, and the first body section, the second body section and the base section are coupled together in a coaxial arrangement to define the cavity, and the cavity is configured to be received by the static feed hub.

6. The rotary seal according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The first body segment includes the first plurality of openings formed therein, and the second body segment includes the second plurality of openings formed therein.

7. The rotary seal according to claim 6, It is characterized in that Also includes: a first chamber formed between the static feed hub and the first body segment, the first chamber configured to communicate a first liquid medium between the first opening to the first passage and each of the first plurality of openings formed in the first body segment; and A second chamber is formed between the static feed hub and the rotation module, the second chamber being configured to communicate a second liquid medium between the second opening to the second passage and each of the second plurality of openings formed in the second body segment, the second chamber being fluidly isolated from the first chamber.

8. The rotary seal according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The at least one lip seal includes a first lip seal and a second lip seal, the first lip seal being located between a body of the static feed hub and the first plurality of openings formed in the first body segment to form the first chamber between the first lip seal and the body of the hub.

9. The rotary seal according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The first chamber is annular.

10. The rotary seal according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The first lip seal includes a plurality of radially extending holes configured to communicate the first liquid medium between the first chamber and the first plurality of openings formed in the annular sidewall of the rotary module.

11. The rotary seal according to claim 10, It is characterized in that Each of the plurality of radially extending holes includes a fluid guide extending into a corresponding one of the first plurality of openings formed in the annular sidewall of the rotation module.

12. The rotary seal according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The second lip seal is located between the body of the static feed hub and the second body segment, thereby forming the second chamber between the second lip seal and the second body segment, the base segment, and the base of the static feed hub.

13. The rotary seal according to claim 12, It is characterized in that The second opening to the second fluid passage is formed in the base of the static feed hub.

14. A rotor assembly, include: A housing, wherein the housing comprises a cover; a rotor configured to rotate with the housing and the cover, the rotor having a plurality of containers arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation of the centrifuge rotor, each container being adapted to contain a centrifugal liquid medium and including a liquid medium inlet and a liquid medium outlet; and The rotary seal according to claim 1.

15. The rotor assembly according to claim 14, It is characterized in that Also included are a plurality of fluid line supports located between the rotary seal and the plurality of containers of the rotor, the supports being responsible for securing the positions of the first fluid line and the second fluid line during the rotation of the rotor.

16. The rotor assembly according to claim 15, It is characterized in that Each of the plurality of fluid line supports comprises a main body having a first channel configured to direct the first fluid line from one of the first plurality of openings to a liquid medium inlet of a container in the rotor, and a second channel configured to direct the second fluid line from one of the second plurality of openings to a liquid medium outlet of the same container in the rotor.

17. The rotor assembly according to claim 15, It is characterized in that Also included is a crown removably attachable to a rotating module of the rotating seal to secure the plurality of fluid line supports during rotation of the rotor.

18. The rotor assembly according to claim 17, It is characterized in that The crown includes an opening configured to extend a head of a static feed hub therethrough.

19. A combination of a centrifuge and a rotor assembly according to claim 14.

20. A rotary seal for an intermittent centrifuge rotor, the rotary seal having a plurality of containers arranged to rotate about the rotation axis of the centrifuge rotor, each container configured to contain a centrifugal liquid medium and comprising a liquid medium inlet and a first liquid medium outlet and a second liquid medium outlet, the rotary seal configured to be mounted on the hub of the centrifuge rotor to convert the intermittent centrifuge rotor into a continuous flow centrifuge rotor operation, the rotary seal include: a static feed hub including a head, and a cylindrical hub body extending from the head to a base and including an internal coolant chamber; The static feed hub further includes: a first passage fluidly connecting a first port on the head to a first opening formed in the body of the hub; a second passage fluidly connecting a second port on the head to a second opening formed in the body of the hub; a third passage fluidly connecting a third port on the head to a third opening formed in the body of the hub; fourth and fifth passages fluidly connecting the fourth and fifth ports on the head to an internal coolant chamber for regulating the temperature of the static feed hub by providing a fluid coolant therein; A rotation module, comprising a body having an annular sidewall and a base, the body and base of the rotation module defining a cavity, the cavity being configured to operatively receive the feed hub therein, the base of the rotation module comprising a base insert, the base insert being configured to couple the rotation module to the hub of the centrifuge rotor so that the rotation module rotates about the static feed hub, the body of the rotation module comprising: a first plurality of openings formed in the annular sidewall, each opening of the first plurality of openings being in fluid communication with a first opening leading to the first passage and configured to be fluidly connected to a liquid medium inlet of a container of the centrifuge rotor by a first fluid line, thereby allowing a first liquid medium to flow between the first fluid passage of the static feed hub and the liquid medium inlet of the container of the centrifuge rotor; a second plurality of openings formed in the annular sidewall, each opening of the second plurality of openings being in fluid communication with a second opening leading to the second passageway and configured to be fluidly connected to a first liquid medium outlet of a container of the centrifuge rotor by a second fluid line so as to allow a second liquid medium to flow between the liquid medium outlet and the second fluid passageway of the static feed hub; a third plurality of openings formed in the annular sidewall, each opening of the third plurality of openings being in fluid communication with a third opening leading to the third passageway and configured to be fluidly connected to a second liquid medium outlet of a container of the centrifuge rotor by a third fluid line so as to allow a third liquid medium to flow between the second liquid medium outlet and a third fluid passageway of the static feed hub; a bearing assembly located within the cavity of the rotation module and between the body of the static feed hub and the body of the rotation module; and At least one lip seal is located within the cavity of the rotary module and between the body of the static feed hub and the body of the rotary module.

21. The rotary seal according to claim 20, It is characterized in that Also includes: a first chamber formed between the static feed hub and the rotary module, the first chamber configured to communicate the first liquid medium between a first opening to the first passage and each of the first plurality of openings formed in an annular sidewall of the rotary module; a second chamber formed between the static feed hub and the rotary module, the second chamber configured to communicate the second liquid medium between a second opening to the second passage and each of the second plurality of openings formed in the annular sidewall of the rotary module; and a third chamber formed between the static feed hub and the rotating module, the third chamber configured to communicate the third liquid medium between a third opening to the third passage and each of the third plurality of openings formed in the annular sidewall of the rotating module; Wherein, the first chamber, the second chamber and the third chamber are fluidically isolated from each other.

22. The rotary seal according to claim 20, It is characterized in that The rotating module includes a bearing cap connected to a top of a body of the rotating module to form a bearing cavity configured to accommodate the bearing assembly.

23. The rotary seal according to claim 22, It is characterized in that The bearing cap includes an opening and a static feed hub extends through the opening.

24. The rotary seal according to claim 20, It is characterized in that The body of the rotating module includes a first body section, a second body section, a third body section and a base section, wherein the first body section, the second body section, the third body section and the base section are connected together in a coaxial arrangement to define the cavity, and the cavity is configured to be loaded with the static feed hub.

25. The rotary seal according to claim 24, It is characterized in that The first body segment includes the first plurality of openings formed therein, the second body segment includes the second plurality of openings formed therein, and the third body segment includes the third plurality of openings formed therein.

26. The rotary seal according to claim 25, It is characterized in that Also includes: a first chamber formed between the static feed hub and the rotary module, the first chamber configured to communicate the first liquid medium between a first opening to the first passage and each of the first plurality of openings formed in an annular sidewall of the rotary module; a second chamber formed between the static feed hub and the rotary module, the second chamber configured to communicate the second liquid medium between a second opening to the second passage and each of the second plurality of openings formed in the annular sidewall of the rotary module; and a third chamber formed between the static feed hub and the rotating module, the third chamber configured to communicate the third liquid medium between a third opening to the third passage and each of the third plurality of openings formed in the annular sidewall of the rotating module; Wherein, the first chamber, the second chamber and the third chamber are fluidically isolated from each other.

27. The rotary seal according to claim 26, It is characterized in that The at least one lip seal comprises: a first lip seal between the main body of the static feed hub and the first main body segment; a second lip seal between the body of the static feed hub and the second body segment; and A third lip seal is positioned between the main body of the static feed hub and the third main body segment.

28. The rotary seal according to claim 27, It is characterized in that The first chamber and the second chamber are annular in shape.

29. The rotary seal according to claim 27, It is characterized in that The third chamber is formed between the third lip seal and the third body segment, the base segment, and a base of the static feed hub.

30. The rotary seal according to claim 29, It is characterized in that A third opening to the third fluid passage is formed in the base of the static feed hub.

31. A rotor assembly, include: A rotor having a plurality of containers, the plurality of containers being arranged to rotate about a rotation axis of the rotor, and the containers being used to contain a certain volume of a centrifugal liquid medium, and each of the plurality of containers comprising a liquid medium inlet and a first liquid medium outlet and a second liquid medium outlet; and A rotary seal according to claim 20.

32. Combination of a centrifuge and a rotor assembly according to claim 31.

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