Flexible isolator
By designing flexible isolators for the buffer chamber and operating chamber, using transparent sealing membranes and sealing zippers for connection, and adding multi-stage filters and airflow control systems, the problems of difficult cleaning of rigid isolators and poor sealing performance of flexible isolators are solved, thereby reducing material contamination and leakage, and making it suitable for small-scale operations.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423298393.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing rigid isolators require cleaning and verification after use, while flexible isolators suffer from poor sealing, material contamination, and leakage.
A flexible isolator comprising a buffer chamber and an operating chamber was designed, which is connected by a transparent sealing membrane and a sealing zipper, and incorporates a multi-stage filter and an airflow control system, and uses a stainless steel frame to ensure airtightness and portability.
It reduces material contamination and leakage, improves sealing and ease of operation, and is suitable for cost savings in small-scale and R&D phases.
Smart Images

Figure CN223820578U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a flexible isolator. Background Technology
[0002] In solid dosage form manufacturing processes, isolators are primarily used to prevent material leakage, protect personnel, and maintain the environment. Examples include isolators used for: reactor feeding / seed crystal feeding, liquid preparation system feeding, weighing and dispensing, freeze drying, oven drying, centrifuges, three-in-one feeding, tableting, capsule making, fluidized bed, dry granulation, wet granulation, coating, sampling, aseptic testing, and aseptic sampling. Existing isolators are generally rigid isolators, which require cleaning and validation after each use. Rigid isolators are bulky and unsuitable for process changeovers and small-scale operations.
[0003] Flexible isolators, also known as soft isolators or disposable isolators, have the advantages of low cost, short operating cycle, portability and high efficiency. They are mainly made of transparent membrane material welded together, which provides excellent visibility for the operator and solves the problem of long distance for operating gloves. However, the current flexible isolators have poor sealing performance and also have problems with material contamination and leakage. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a flexible isolator that reduces material contamination and leakage.
[0005] The technical solution for realizing this utility model is as follows:
[0006] A flexible isolator includes a frame, on which the isolator is mounted. The isolator consists of a buffer chamber and an operating chamber. A discharge cylinder is mounted on the exposed end of the operating chamber. A transparent sealing membrane is provided between the buffer chamber and the operating chamber. An opening is provided on the sealing membrane to connect the operating chamber and the buffer chamber. A sealing zipper is provided on the opening to control its closing and opening.
[0007] The sealing zipper and the sealing film are connected by welding.
[0008] The welds on both sides of the sealing zipper are U-shaped arc welds.
[0009] Both the buffer chamber and the operating chamber are equipped with filters at their tops; the top surface at the rear of the operating chamber is equipped with a gas connector.
[0010] A pressure controller is provided on the end face above the discharge cylinder.
[0011] The frame is made of stainless steel and consists of four legs, each with a brake caster at the bottom.
[0012] A pair of gloves is provided on the side of the buffer chamber, and at least two pairs of gloves are evenly distributed on the side of the operating chamber.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the isolator of this utility model replaces the membrane material with TPU and adds a sealing zipper to ensure airtightness while facilitating the entry and exit of materials. An additional isolation compartment is added to enhance safety. Three layers of high-efficiency filters ensure safe operation.
[0014] Isolators can be customized to suit different customer equipment, which is something that rigid isolators cannot do, and can save costs in some small-scale or R&D stages.
[0015] The isolation chamber is designed to provide a buffer for operation, and the cleaning and sterilization of materials and equipment can be completed here. Compared with traditional flexible isolators that only have one operating chamber, this design can reduce the problems of material contamination and material leakage. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;
[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing zipper structure of this utility model;
[0018] In the attached diagram, 1 is the frame, 2 is the filter, 3 is the isolator, 4 is the glove, 5 is the air pressure controller, 6 is the discharge cylinder, 7 is the buffer chamber, 8 is the operating chamber, 9 is the sealing membrane, 11 is the sealing zipper, 12 is the stainless steel frame, and 14 is the gas connector. Detailed Implementation
[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0020] See Figure 1The schematic diagram of this application shows a flexible isolator, including a frame 1, with an isolator 3 mounted on the frame. The isolator consists of a buffer chamber 7 and an operating chamber 8. A discharge cylinder 6 is located at the exposed end of the operating chamber. A transparent sealing membrane 9 is provided between the buffer chamber and the operating chamber. The sealing membrane has an opening connecting the operating chamber and the buffer chamber, and a sealing zipper 11 is provided on the opening to control its opening and closing. The opening and closing of the sealing zipper on the sealing membrane serves to connect the buffer chamber and the operating chamber, facilitating the entry of materials into the operating chamber for operation after cleaning and sterilization in the buffer chamber. The frame 12 is made of stainless steel, resulting in a simpler and more aesthetically pleasing structure.
[0021] The sealing zipper and the sealing film are connected by welding.
[0022] The welds on both sides of the sealed zipper are U-shaped arc welds. The U-shaped arc welds facilitate operation, reduce risk, ensure good integrity, and provide a good seal. The U-shaped arc weld structure allows the flexible isolator to be welded to the zipper, guaranteeing no leakage.
[0023] Both the buffer chamber and the operating chamber are equipped with filters 2 at their tops; the operating chamber has a gas connector 14 on its rear top surface. After filtration, the material enters the buffer chamber and operating chamber for pre-experiment preparation. The filters, gas connectors, and pressure controller 5 form an airflow control system. Airflow enters the equipment through the high-efficiency filter in the buffer chamber, then enters the operating chamber through the high-efficiency filter, and is then extracted from the equipment through the high-efficiency filter. The entire process is powered by the pressure controller. A multi-stage filtration design is employed because the powdered or toxic substances generated in the isolation chamber and the operating chamber are different. Multi-stage filtration improves filter utilization and filtration efficiency.
[0024] A pressure controller is installed on the end face above the discharge cylinder. The pressure controller detects the pressure inside the equipment through a pressure gauge.
[0025] The frame is made of stainless steel and consists of four legs, each equipped with braked casters at its base for easy movement.
[0026] A pair of gloves 4 is provided on the side of the buffer chamber, and at least two pairs of gloves are evenly distributed on the side of the operating chamber. In this utility model, the operating chamber uses three pairs of gloves. The design of multiple gloves facilitates worker operation.
Claims
1. A flexible isolator, characterized in that, The device includes a frame, on which an isolator is mounted. The isolator consists of a buffer chamber and an operating chamber. A discharge cylinder is mounted on the exposed end of the operating chamber. A transparent sealing membrane is provided between the buffer chamber and the operating chamber. An opening is provided on the sealing membrane that connects the operating chamber and the buffer chamber. A sealing zipper is provided on the opening to control its closing and opening.
2. The flexible isolator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing zipper and the sealing film are connected by welding.
3. The flexible isolator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The welds on both sides of the sealing zipper are U-shaped arc welds.
4. The flexible isolator according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the buffer chamber and the operating chamber are equipped with filters at their tops; the top surface at the rear of the operating chamber is equipped with a gas connector.
5. The flexible isolator according to claim 4, characterized in that, A pressure controller is provided on the end face above the discharge cylinder.
6. The flexible isolator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame is made of stainless steel and consists of four legs, each with a brake caster at the bottom.
7. The flexible isolator according to claim 1, characterized in that, A pair of gloves is provided on the side of the buffer chamber, and at least two pairs of gloves are evenly distributed on the side of the operating chamber.